Well, the old guy needs some assistance.
Replacing the d/s latch assembly along with my original door items.
Disconnected the rods from the handle, window channel, wiring etc.
and removed the latch, piece of cake. Lubricated the latch and went to install, and
thought I've tried every combination possible to get the actuator rod into the
handle clip, no luck, so decided to seek some advice before the kink in my neck
becomes permanent. Any easy tricks?
TIA

 

Put the rod onto the plastic clip...then push the plastic clip into the hole of the handle.

If the rod is sticking up and outside the door handle opening then it makes things easier.

 

When everything gets snapped together you can bend the rod a bit and force it back into the handle opening and put it into place so you can access the nuts to bolt it on from the inside of the door.

 

First I'd like to thank you guys for the replies.
Last night while in bed thinking about the problem, had an epiphany, not the kind you guys are thinking
of, but about the car.
Removed door handle, attached the latch guiding the rod into approx. position, lowered window, set
plastic clip in proper position, installed the handle, used a long screwdriver to get the rod into the open clip,
pushed into place and closed the clip. Then reattached all the rods and it's good to go.

Reason for all this is that after the installation of the used door and complete paint job, the freakin' door
needed to be slammed to close. Bottom line, latch mechanism was worn about 3/16" and striker was actually
hitting the back of the latch. Don't know how that could be as the car is a '91 TII with 101k miles and been sitting
in my pole shed for 15 years. No matter, it works perfectly now.

Thanks again!