Door handle replacement on 79

[cw823]

I bought new door handles (exterior) for my 79. I'm trying to decide if there is any way to install them.....I can get to the front nut on the old handle but the back nut is a pain. Even if I get the back nut off I figure it will fall down inside the door, and then I'll never get another nut on there. Am I missing an easier way? I need to take the old handles off (or do something) to prep the body for paint.

Thank you!

 

[GaryS]

I assume your 79 door handle is similar, if not identical, to my 72. If so this is a very easy job, just expect a scraped knuckle or two. IIRC, the offending nut is a 7/16" that was removed using a 1/4" drive socket to loosen it then the good old "five fingered digit" is used to spin the nut off. Even if it falls off, it will fall into the interior of the door and is easily accessed and removed. A word of advice, use a good flashlight to examine the linkage and notice the clip that holds the door handle rod to the door opening mechanism. Take a digital photo if you can or draw the arrangement so you know how it all goes back together.

Another bit of advice is to remove the door lock mechanism as long as you are into the door that deep. Soak in your favorite solvent and clean. Relube with white lithium grease and resinstall.

Gary

 

[justinj]

Just did mine a week ago it was sticking and tried to fix it and made it worse, so I needed a new handle. The first nut is easy, but that back one is tough. Use a wrench to loosen and very long pair of needle nose pliers being magnatized helps. I also shoved a maglite in the hole so both my hands were free. It was harder than I thought.

 

[cw823]

Just did mine a week ago it was sticking and tried to fix it and made it worse, so I needed a new handle. The first nut is easy, but that back one is tough. Use a wrench to loosen and very long pair of needle nose pliers being magnatized helps. I also shoved a maglite in the hole so both my hands were free. It was harder than I thought.

Yeah, I'll be priming the car in about a month.....and bought new door handles. My only problem is that I dont' know if I can get that back nut back on. Getting it off (I would think) will be alot easier.

Although now that I think about it I might be able to slot the sheet metal in the door, start the nut, and then put the handle in. Might have to have Bubba help me.