C3 Door Handle Removal....

[Tommy F.]

Can the experts share the "trick" for removing the exterior door handles from C3 ( 75 coupe specifically )...getting ready to put some lipstick on the old girl!

Door panels are off, windows up, door latch shield loose....I can see the two nuts, but I sure don't see an easy way!

Thanks for the help!

[Michael B.]

Re: C3 Door Handle Removal....

It may sound like more work but it's really just a little and will make the job much easier. Remorve the door latch mechanism and the anti-theft guard. That will give you room to work at those two nuts that hold the handle on.

[Rich G.]

Re: C3 Door Handle Removal....

I just took mine off my 72 and I would assume they are the same because it wasn't fun. It looks so simple when you have the handle in your hands, just two nuts and a clip,how hard can that be? I don't know of a trick, I was lucky enough to get a wrench and break the nut loose and then get it off by hand the rest of the way. I'm in the process of painting the car so I haven't put it back on yet. It is just another one of those tight ugly jobs we have to deal with I guess. One think I did find out when I got the nuts off I couldn't get it out of the door because the pin the the handle pivots on walked out about an inch or so. If that happens get a needle nose pliers or something to slide the pin back in to clear the door.

[Chuck G.]

Re: C3 Door Handle Removal....

It may sound like more work but it's really just a little and will make the job much easier. Remorve the door latch mechanism and the anti-theft guard. That will give you room to work at those two nuts that hold the handle on.

Definitely remove the anti theft guard. I've had luck just loosening the latch mechanism and letting it hang within the door.

Tight squeeze. 1/4" drive socket on a flex adapter works for me.

Chuck

[Tommy F.]

Re: C3 Door Handle Removal....

Thanks guys...

It looks like this is one that I'll plan on spending half a day on, that way I'll feel great when I knock it out in less time. I have the theft guard loose, now I'll get the latch loose ....

What I wouldn't give for a trained monkey with little trained monkey hands right now!

Hopefully pictures in a couple of weeks!

Thanks again,

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 Door Handle Removal....

Chuck has the way that works for me. Quarter inch drive ratchet,universial joint,a deep and regular socket. Some combination of thease tools will get the nuts off and the skin off the back of your hands.

If Corvette restoration was easy everyone could do it.