'69 Exterior Door Handle installation

[Steven C.]

I tried to search this on the archives, didn't see anything pertinent.

Working on the passenger door of my '69 convertible. Door is off car, window is down. I have the 7/16 nuts off the old door handle, and have the clip off where the actuator rod connects to the arm on the door handle. The problem is that the rod has (2) 90 degreee bends, and I can't orient the handle in any way to get the old handle off and the new handle on.

I almost got the old rod at the bottom off by prying, but it does not come all the way through, and I can't figure out how the actuator rod (adjustable) comes off at the bottom.

Any help will be appreciated.

Steve

[Michael W.]

Re: '69 Exterior Door Handle installation

Remove the three large philips head screws from the rear of the door that hold the latch mechanism in place. You can then maneuver the latch and the rod to sperate them. Reverse the order for the new piece.

BTW- if you're using the cheapo offshore repo door handle, toss it away now. It will break and jam your door shut in short order.

[Steven C.]

Re: '69 Exterior Door Handle installation

Thanks, Mike. That makes sense, I didn't want to screw it up, everything looks original on the linkages and even the grease.

I lucked into a NOS door handle, I've been previously warned about the repros.

Steve

[Chuck G.]

Re: '69 Exterior Door Handle installation

If you have an old hemostat, pull up on the handle with the rod still in it. Grab the rod with the hemostat to hold it. You can then manipulate the handle to slide over/off the 90 degree bend.

Do what Mike said about the latch screws too. Take all 3 out and let the latch "dangle". Gives you LOTS more room. Hard to believe you got that rear bolt on the handle without dropping the latch.
Chuck

[Steven C.]

Re: '69 Exterior Door Handle installation

Thanks, Chuck.

The door is off the car, so I reached WAY through the door w/a small wrench, and did a million 1/4 turns on that nut!

Now I'll go back and remnove the latch!

Steve