Door lock slide

[Nazgul]

I am installing new door panels in my 1985. Is there anyone who has performed this who could enlighten me to the trick for getting the lock slide back into its original position? It doesn't seem to be able to go far enough to one side that I can get it back in its "front" of the trim cover spot. Is there a trick for removing the black thumb slide and just dealing with the rod and reinstalling the thumb or finger pull? Will I need another one as this is a disposable piece? I just knew taking the old panel off this was going to be a PITA. Probably why the door panel backing plastic was split down the middle. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Geoff

 

[fatboyreyn]

on my 86, you push the lock linkage to the lock position, then after installing the trim pc where the door handle is, lift up lock linkage over top of where it's supposed to rest in trim, and then drop it in.

 

[Nazgul]

This may be hard to explain....I have tried that.....after pushing the lock all the way to the rear, it does not quite clear the back of the small chute the lock slide travels in. However, when I try to lift it up and over the top of the schute when I pull it forward the inboard point of the finger pull hits the back edge of the trim plate before I have enough clearance in the outboard edge to drop in. And I am sure I have it ALL the way in the lock position. This might not be a good explanation but I can see how the damaged door panel I am replacing might have got there. Thanks for the response
Geoff