Door Handle Repairs

[Willis76]

Has anyone repaired the exterior door handles on their 76 or similar? I have one that seems to need a spring (hanging down) and the other is very difficult to push down. Apparently one needs viagra and the other has overdosed.

 

[ChuckG]

I personally think you would be better off replacing both of them. They do sell those "butterfly" springs to help open the flapper, but they're pretty useless IMHO. You could try spraying the spring with WD40 or the like. If you do buy new handles, buy the good GM (expensive) ones. Don't mess with the so called "cheap foreign repro's". Chuck

 

[Willis76]

Thanks Chuck, when the weather warms up a bit and the snow melts (think spring!), I'll give it a try. Hey, it may even be the cold weather.

 

[paintdaddy]

Chuck said it best.Also when you put the new ones in,dont tighten them down real tight.1.they will crack the fiberglass around them and some times when they are tightened down it puts them in a bind and they get stuck.Ive had this happen to gm and aftermarket.There are about 3 or 4 aftermarket brands.Trim Parts makes the best.DONT buy the ones that are about $20 and in a blue and white GM like bix

 

[Willis76]

thanks for the great adivce!

 

[gliot1]

Ecklers sells the proper replacment springs. It took me about a 1/2 hour to remove the handle. Be careful with those little rod clips, maybe order a few extra.

 

[Willis76]

thanks for your reply and for the info on the clips -

 

[gliot1]

This one is real claer in my head. I just took mine apart on Sunday to better secure the handle.

Advice:

- roll down the windows
- Remove the screws for the latch assembly
- There is a rod which goes from the handle to the latch assmebly...only remove the rod from the side attached to the latch
- undo the screws to the handle, and it should remove right out.


You may want to buy new gaskets for the handle as long as they are out. The gaskets were missing on mine, so I am installing them.

Most all of the Corvette warehouses have these handle parts.


I hope I gave you the benefit of my errors, as I just went through it. If you follow these steps you should onyl spend a couple of hours for everything.

 

[Willis76]

thanks again for the details - you guys are great