4bangerjp.com

General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: Mozman68 on August 25, 2012, 12:22:44 PM

Title: Replacing door handles...
Post by: Mozman68 on August 25, 2012, 12:22:44 PM
....is the biggest PITA I have ever experienced.


And then I find out that, yes, my driver door handle was indeed broken (return spring snapped), but only broke because the pivot clasp by the door release was rusted.  I guess it really needs to pivot fairly freely so the downward motion on the bar pulls the lock far enough to release it.

The pressure was enough to break the spring at the handle after too many pulls.

Trying some penetration fluid to see if I can loosen it up so I don't have to replace the whole door latch mechanism.


At least I can now replace the handle on the passenger side.  Works fine, but handle was all rusted up.  New ones were cheap enough...it's the labor that kills you...
Title: Re: Replacing door handles...
Post by: Jeffy on August 25, 2012, 12:40:30 PM
I've replaced the handles before.  It's not that hard, just tricky with the wedges that hold the handle in place.
Title: Re: Replacing door handles...
Post by: Mozman68 on August 25, 2012, 01:16:24 PM
Yeah...like everything else; once you do it, the second time is easy.  Can't get the wedge off the passenger door...such a pain.

Greased the driver mechansim enough that it seems to be working now.

Sweating my ass off out there...
Title: Re: Replacing door handles...
Post by: Jeffy on August 25, 2012, 01:18:55 PM
I think I was able to tap them out.  Once you get one side the other side should be easier.
Title: Re: Replacing door handles...
Post by: Mozman68 on August 25, 2012, 01:52:29 PM
Yeah...the one on the lock mechanism side of the passenger door simply doesn't have a lot of room to get in there.  Finally got it.  Both door handles replaced...nice and new and shiny...and working... :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Replacing door handles...
Post by: grumpygy on August 25, 2012, 02:55:49 PM
Yeah...like everything else; once you do it, the second time is easy.  Can't get the wedge off the passenger door...such a pain.

Greased the driver mechansim enough that it seems to be working now.

Sweating my ass off out there...

Like pulling the heater core out 1st time is a real Pain. But second time it seems easy.
Title: Re: Replacing door handles...
Post by: jwalls4x4 on August 30, 2012, 06:40:24 PM
Like pulling the heater core out 1st time is a real Pain. But second time it seems easy.

 :yikes: Heater core started leaking today.  :brick:
Title: Re: Replacing door handles...
Post by: Jeffy on August 30, 2012, 07:21:49 PM
:yikes: Heater core started leaking today.  :brick:
That's always fun!

Here's a tip, when disconnecting the clips for the cables, take the lower duct off.  There is one screw holding it in place.  Then you can reach inside and pinch the clip instead of pulling it till it breaks.  BTDT, had to RTV it back in.

I bought my core off Amazon.  Same as the one Napa sells.  Weird thing is that it doesn't use any bolts unlike the one that the OEM uses.  No rattles as it's wedged in there.  Haven't had any issues with it.  I think it was $35.
Title: Re: Replacing door handles...
Post by: dwtaylorpdx on September 21, 2012, 07:41:39 PM
I tried the same NAPA unit, it didn't fit in my housing(Could not assemble the housing with it in there.
I went to Autozone and for about 2/3 the cost got a brass soldered one that was identical to the one I took out.
Way better quality.. I normally use a lot of NAPA stuff but this item was underwelming.
They even brought out another one and it was the same deal.

Overall the job was not bad....

Dave