thanks Guppie for the instructions...

but when I ordered these springs they came with ZERO instructions. I forget which supplier, but it was one of the biggies.

 

Tom, I just had to replace both of my outer handles. The "trick" is to do the following:
(1971 panels, your mileage may vary)

1) Remove Inside door handle, window handle, door pull, lock button, and the two screws that hold the panel. Then gently seperate the "velcro" fasteners around the edge of the panel

2) There is a metal rod that runs from the outer handle to the lock mechanism. That is held in place on the lock mech. with a keeper type clip. Using a flat bladed screwdriver, push the clip 1/2 way off of the plate that holds the rod, then the rod will come out.

3) Very carefully remove the two 7/16 nuts that attach the handle to the door frame. The rear one is very tight and, as in previous posts, small hands are a gift in this area.

4) Remove old handle, move connecting rod to new handle, install new gasket and new handle.

5) Reinstall the two nuts onto the handle assy. Then push the clip completely down on the plate. Then push the connecting rod into the clip and reassemble the door panel.

While you have the handles out of the door, you could take advantage and either refurbish the painted areas or replace, your decision. Hope it helps...

:chevy p.s. if that doesn't work, get a bigger hammer...:smash:

 

Thanks for the Help I'll let you know how it goes. :cheers:

 

To add to MYBLU71's excellent description, I would also like to add a few tricks.

First, get a 1/4 inch drive socket set with a "flex" screwdriver like handle. Use that....don't try a standard socket wrench.

Second, get some "dum dum" putty to help hold the nut into the socket so you won't continuously drop it when trying to put it on., AND

Third, loosen the latch mechanism on the back of the door. Remove the 3 or so phillips head screws and let the latch "dangle". By lowering the latch, you'll increase the access to the rear bolt/nut on the rear of the door handle.

I have hands and fingers that look like a bunch of bananas :) and I've changed a number of handles. Also, don't even MESS with the "butterfly" springs or the "cheap foreign repro" door handles. Some of the catalogs even refer to these handles as cheap foreign repros. That ought to tell you something. Bite the bullet and get the genuine GM handles. Chuck

 

Tom,
I bought mine from Ecklers without directions so I emailed them and they sent them out to me, offered fax if I had one, wasn't working so I just had snail mail sent. :cheers:

 

Chuck, Thanks for the kudos on my description. I actually went ahead and pulled the lock assy out of the door and degreased and relubed them "...while I was at it...". It definately does make it easier to get to the nuts on the handle. I have had the last two days "off" and have been doing the engine compartment over and installing my luggage rack that had been removed by the previous owner... Now where did I put that catalog again.. off to order more parts. :hurray:

 

MyBlu71 & Chuck...

thanks so much for the detailed instructions... I will definitely print this out & save it for when I get brave enough to tackle this job.

Good luck w/your Vettes!!!