outer door handle rod
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 17,102
Likes: 7
From: Fair Oaks, OK
outer door handle rod
I have to replace the rod and clips inside the door that attaches the outer door handle to the latch mechanism. Is the job easier if I take the whole door off of my car? My hands don't fit in the openings very well. Anyone have any advice on replacing this thing?
It would be nice to be able to open the door from the outside.
Thanks!!!
It would be nice to be able to open the door from the outside.
Thanks!!!
Racer
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta IN
Re: outer door handle rod (Simon Alexander)
It can be done, just don't expect to have any skin left on your hands afterwards. Honestly with some patience and time it isn't that bad. I did my '74 when I had the latches off whils it was being painted. Inside door work is real bad no matter what the vehicle is.
Good Luck!!!
Good Luck!!!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 0
From: Cocoa Beach FL
Re: outer door handle rod (Simon Alexander)
I just replaced my outer door handles a couple weeks ago! It is a PITA. The first one took me three hours but the second one was like 30 minutes. Obviously remove the door panel, then unscrew the three screws holding the latching mechanism, this will allow the mechanism to drop down and give you a bit more room to fit your hand in there. Also, I removed the plastic rain guard and was able to get my whole hand in there!
Try this link, it might help:
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/4696/
Hope this helps out! :thumbs:
Try this link, it might help:
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/4696/
Hope this helps out! :thumbs:
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: outer door handle rod (Mystery Machine)
I just replaced my outer door handles a couple weeks ago! It is a PITA. The first one took me three hours but the second one was like 30 minutes. Obviously remove the door panel, then unscrew the three screws holding the latching mechanism, this will allow the mechanism to drop down and give you a bit more room to fit your hand in there. Also, I removed the plastic rain guard and was able to get my whole hand in there!
Try this link, it might help:
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/4696/
Hope this helps out! :thumbs:
Try this link, it might help:
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/4696/
Hope this helps out! :thumbs:
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 17,102
Likes: 7
From: Fair Oaks, OK
Re: outer door handle rod (Mystery Machine)
I just replaced my outer door handles a couple weeks ago! It is a PITA. The first one took me three hours but the second one was like 30 minutes. Obviously remove the door panel, then unscrew the three screws holding the latching mechanism, this will allow the mechanism to drop down and give you a bit more room to fit your hand in there. Also, I removed the plastic rain guard and was able to get my whole hand in there!
Try this link, it might help:
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/4696/
Hope this helps out! :thumbs:
Try this link, it might help:
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/4696/
Hope this helps out! :thumbs:
[Modified by Simon Alexander, 7:10 PM 2/26/2003]
Pro
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 515
Likes: 0
From: IL
Re: outer door handle rod (Simon Alexander)
My fingers didn't fit either. When I replaced mine I used a combination of tools. Long needle nose pliers, long screwdrives to act as fingers and an extending pointer with a magnet on the end. The magnet had two purposes. I used it to retrieve the clips and nuts when I dropped them in the door and I started the nuts under the door handle with the magnet. I put a nut on the magnet, held it to the bolt on the underside of the handle and started it by nudging the nut with a screwdriver. You'll find something that works for you! Once it is installed the fun part is adjusting it correctly. Here's a link from my post like yours http://65.113.119.28:7001/zerothread?id=168520
[Modified by FERL 73, 7:27 PM 2/26/2003]
[Modified by FERL 73, 7:27 PM 2/26/2003]
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 17,102
Likes: 7
From: Fair Oaks, OK
Re: outer door handle rod (FERL 73)
My fingers didn't fit either. When I replaced mine I used a combination of tools. Long needle nose pliers, long screwdrives to act as fingers and an extending pointer with a magnet on the end. The magnet had two purposes. I used it to retrieve the clips and nuts when I dropped them in the door and I started the nuts under the door handle with the magnet. I put a nut on the magnet, held it to the bolt on the underside of the handle and started it by nudging the nut with a screwdriver. You'll find something that works for you! Once it is installed the fun part is adjusting it correctly. Here's a link from my post like yours http://65.113.119.28:7001/zerothread?id=168520
[Modified by FERL 73, 7:27 PM 2/26/2003]
[Modified by FERL 73, 7:27 PM 2/26/2003]
Racer
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
From: MESA, AZ, USA
Re: outer door handle rod (Simon Alexander)
I have to "chime in". I had to completely rebuild both my doors because they wouldn't open and the windows were falling out, so the decision was easy. Now that I've done it I'd have to suggest you "bite the bullet" and take the windows out. The door latch and handle had to be the very first things mounted in the door at the factory and are pretty straight forward without all the other stuff in place. With everything else in place you stand a real good chance of learning a whole new vocabulary, how much blood you can loose from multiple cuts in both hands, and why it's a good idea to send the kids to the neighboors before you start such a job.
Consider it and good luck.
Andy
Consider it and good luck.
Andy
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,198
Likes: 0
From: Boone NC home of 3peat National Champs ASU Mountaineers
St. Jude Contributor
Re: outer door handle rod (WATTAC)
This job requires patience and clarity. I agree with loosening the door latch thus freeing up space to attack the handle rod. Get a long metal coat hanger to catch those clips when you drop them. You can push them out of the bottom of the door at the small hole for water draining. Good luck. :thumbs:
