Stoge

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!!!

Stoge

Oops.. Mods please move this to C3 general.

A96LT4

Hire ET - he's got the right fingers for the job. :)

Stoge

Thats about the truth!!! :lol:

jbegler

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!!!

wireless

He asked the next best thing.

ShanMan14

Moving to C3G

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:

Alwyn678

Try doing that with your door locked shut :D

Stoge

Thanks! That article looks very helpful too!


[Modified by Simon Alexander, 7:10 PM 2/26/2003]

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]

Stoge

thanks!

WATTAC

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

feb18blacksunday

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:

Alwyn678

Dont forget to have a retractable magnent handy to retrieve pars whe you drop them inside the door........Trust me YOU WILL