Removal of Fittings
The chrome fitting around the inside door handle is
held on by a single screw. Remove the screw, and
"snake" the fitting off the handle. The window crank is held on by a small
pin (the photo shows the pin being put back in upon
reassembly). There are two pin holes that hold the
pin. They are at 90° to the shaft of the
handle. One of them will have the pin. Use two
flat-head screw drivers on each side of the handle
to pry between the handle and the black plastic
allowing you see in there enough to see which pin
holes were used. Use an awl or other sharply
pointed tool to push the pin out. The crank will
come right off but be careful not to loose the pin,
it is very small and rolls easily into dark places.
If you do loose it, a welding rod (3/32" - 1/8") or
coat hanger wire makes a great substitute. Score it
with a hacksaw about a 1/2" from one end. After
pushing the rod into the crank hole, break it off
at the score mark.
Removal of Panel The easiest way I have found to remove
the door panel is using a pair of needle nose
pliers.
If you are going to remove the panel for
replacement it is easy, just rip it off. But if you
plan on using the panel again it can be tricky to
remove with out breaking the pressboard. Years of
moisture weaken the panel. Clips will pull through
the soft pressboard. The key is to pull on the clip
only without putting, or trying not to put pressure
on the panel itself.
Use a flat screwdriver to hunt around between the
panel and the door frame. When you locate a clip
try to grab it from both sides with the needle nose
pliers. Pull outwards (toward the edge of door)
while prying out will get the clip out. The first
few are the hardest because of the blind hunting
required; you may get frustrated and just start
yanking. Go slow and gently. For locations of the
clips, visit the clip
location page. It will help you to know where
to start looking.
While the panel is
off:
While the panel is off this is a good time to do
some door maintenance:
lubricate the window raising components and
door handles,
replace the pressboard of the door panel,
fit a new water barrier (sheet plastic) if
there isn't one
The window crank is held on by a small
pin (the photo shows the pin being put back in upon
reassembly). There are two pin holes that hold the
pin. They are at 90° to the shaft of the
handle. One of them will have the pin. Use two
flat-head screw drivers on each side of the handle
to pry between the handle and the black plastic
allowing you see in there enough to see which pin
holes were used. Use an awl or other sharply
pointed tool to push the pin out. The crank will
come right off but be careful not to loose the pin,
it is very small and rolls easily into dark places.
If you do loose it, a welding rod (3/32" - 1/8") or
coat hanger wire makes a great substitute. Score it
with a hacksaw about a 1/2" from one end. After
pushing the rod into the crank hole, break it off
at the score mark.
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