Door handle removal

**jeepers** · 4 Weeks Ago

I need to get all four door handles removed so that I can paint. I have had the front passenger handle off in the past but I am working on the front drivers side handle. I have one clip open but there does not appear to be a second. Can anyone shed some light or provide some pointers?
Thanks.

**FordMan77** · 4 Weeks Ago

Not much came up but this is an excerpt from a write-up on swapping in some other type of handle.

8. now remove the two 10mm bolts holding in the door handle

9. now carefully remove the door handle from the car until the rods prevent it from coming out any farther

10. now follow the handle rod down till you find the locking clip, it's black and a though bugger, but a little brute force and it'll pop open

11. now take a razor blade and break off the locking tabs (do this now for the rear handles as well

**jeepers** · 4 Weeks Ago

Thanks, FordMan. The first few steps I have been able to accomplish. That last one I do not understand.
I have had the passenger's handle off a few years ago and remember it being tricky but just a matter of twisting it the right way.
This time I started with the driver's door and have one of the rods disconnected but the one for the lock is where I am stuck. It is U shaped at the handle so it will not come out there. At the bottom, it seems to be just a right angle into the locking mechanism. There is no clip but it simply will not come out. My best guess is that the E-clip on the lock barrel needs to be removed which would release the rod at the top. I have a clip tool on order so I have moved on for now.
The rear door handles are simple enough and I have one off and expect to get the other and the passenger handles off today.

**jeepers** · 4 Weeks Ago

I finally cracked it. You have to wiggle the front of the handle out, which often requires lifting the handle, then rotate the handle anti-clockwise to get it off the rod. It is a sensitive job since a wrong move will certainly scratch the paint. When I install it, I will be masking off the area to prevent damage.

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