Help! 81 Outside Door Handle Replacement

[tgg901]

I need to replace my drivers side exterior door handle and was wondering if anyone had any helpful tips on doing this? I spent a little time trying to get my hand inside to just take off the nuts but then worried about what rods might come off and will not be able to have enough room to re-install everything back. I drive it everyday so if I take it apart I need to get it back together to get to work.

Thanks in advance

 

[6880 Mike]

If you are intending to do this yourself, purchase the '81 assembly instruction manual. The AIM will show you how the handle installs and all the various rods and clips and where they connect.

FWIW: I have a swivel head socket set which works great on door handle and mirror nuts.

 

[tgg901]

Thanks!

Thanks for your help.

 

[chuck]

Take the 3 screws out that hold the door latch. Let the door latch drop down out of the way and you will have plenty of room.

 

[tgg901]

If I take the 3 screws off and let the door latch drop down and then take off the 2 nuts to that holds the handle am I then able to lift the handle up and then disconnect the rod?

 

[Mylo]

Door handle sag

I want to replace the spring in the door handles so they don't sag, I know where to buy them but do I need to remove the handle to do this or can I lift it up for the replacement.

 

[tgg901]

I purchased one from Ecklers and if I remember right it came with instructions. You don't need to remove the handle.

 

[Mylo]

Thanks

Thanks for the info that is where I was going to buy it but I did not want to get over my head on the install.