Drivers outside door handle not working
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Rich,
As I recall, there are a couple clips inside the door that hold various rods. Those clips tend to get rusty and drop off. You may want to order those ahead of time.
There are a couple good videos on YouTube about removing the inner panel.
In the search box enter: C3 Corvette door panel removal.
There are "hidden" phillip screws that the vid will show you how to locate. If you have crank windows you will need a clip removal tool.
You will need a long-reach magnet for the dozen times you drop hardware down in the door. Go slow and note how the panel attaches itself to the door frame near the glass.
If you need to replace the outer handle, I have found NOS units still in the bag all original GM on Ebay. There is a right & left handle.
Also, if the glass felt bumper / guides are shot, great time to replace those as well. Usually sold in fours. Shy away from oversea knock-offs. (little bit different)
The job can be intimidating, but its doable with common tools, small hands.
As I recall, there are a couple clips inside the door that hold various rods. Those clips tend to get rusty and drop off. You may want to order those ahead of time.
There are a couple good videos on YouTube about removing the inner panel.
In the search box enter: C3 Corvette door panel removal.
There are "hidden" phillip screws that the vid will show you how to locate. If you have crank windows you will need a clip removal tool.
You will need a long-reach magnet for the dozen times you drop hardware down in the door. Go slow and note how the panel attaches itself to the door frame near the glass.
If you need to replace the outer handle, I have found NOS units still in the bag all original GM on Ebay. There is a right & left handle.
Also, if the glass felt bumper / guides are shot, great time to replace those as well. Usually sold in fours. Shy away from oversea knock-offs. (little bit different)
The job can be intimidating, but its doable with common tools, small hands.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 724
From: Marietta GA
You can look at various Corvette Vendor catalogs that show very detailed illustrations on how the rods and associated parts fit together. You should clean all the hard oil grease when you are inside the door, then add some new grease.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 75
Likes: 57
From: OOOOKLAHOMA where the wind comes sweepin down the plain
It's not too hard of a job really.
My wife's driver's side latch was gummed up with 40yrs worth of dust stuck to old grease in the mechanism.
I took the whole thing out, gave it a bath in Kerosene and reinstalled. Works like new now.
My wife's driver's side latch was gummed up with 40yrs worth of dust stuck to old grease in the mechanism.
I took the whole thing out, gave it a bath in Kerosene and reinstalled. Works like new now.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 670
From: Northeast
This video will show you all you need to know about the inner door workings
https://youtu.be/t70f7EWKcCM?feature=shared
https://youtu.be/t70f7EWKcCM?feature=shared
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