I know we all get a laugh out of the FC and FD guys breaking thier door handles but now I can no longer poke fun. My driver side handle broke right before the spring. I've got a replacement and the manuel says to pop out the bit that screws on to the conecting rod. No problem until I try to do it. With the handle in one hand and a flat head screwdriver in the other, I've tried to push it out but I feel like I'm gonna break the damn thing. You guys that have done it, how/what did you use to get that bit out w/o breaking the plastic holder?

Thanks,
AJ

 

Even though we have the sturdiest handles, they can break eventually. The plastic clip is quite sturdy, I haven't broken one yet, A quick twist instead of a slow pry will pop it out easier.

 

Are these the type of clip that pop into the hole, and snap around the rod? If so, you pop it loose from the rod, and then the rod will slip right out. you can then *usually* transfer the clip to the new handle.

 

i dont know how you guys do it, i could never even get my hands in there!

 

It's an 85 GSL, fogot to metion that. The plastic bit goes through the hole in the handle and the metal bit that screws to the rod goes through it.

Thanks Trochoid, I'll see if I can give it a quick twist to pop it out.

 

Yeah, these are the same style clips that hold the hood prop to the body. Rod pops out, clip stays in hole. Once the rod is out, squeeze the clip to remove and transfer.

 

Rogue, no these are the type that you have to release the pressure on the nylon pop in clip and pull the rod out. If you pry to hard you will break the mounting point. The mounting points are pot metal and don't do well when prying on them I use the flat head screwdriver and gently leverage the plastic clip outwards and then pop the rod out.

perfect_circle, The trick is remove the door lock rod and and inner door handle rod, then you do not have to twist around those things.

 

I thought so. I have been lucky, and all the 1st gens I have messed with have had good door handles. Exact opposite of the FC's I have messed with. They have all had at least one broken handle.....

 

Well hot damn, trochoid you retain you title as rotory god. A twist and pry was all it needed. I wish I hadn't wasted all that time yesterday trying to push it out with a screwdriver. Thanks to all who chimed in with suggestions. Tomorrow will come questions about pain restoration with pictures. Yea, yea, yea I'll SEARCH first.