Broke the door handle

[thomschoon]

Need some help, '81 SC, pulled on the outside door handle and could feel it give at the pivot point. So do I buy a new one, used one, reproduction or can it be fixed. Also how much trouble to replace and should I do anything else while I am in there?

Thank You

[David]

If it's the inside handle, they're not too expensive. Buy a new plastic one or an aluminum aftermarket one. It's not too difficult to replace if you have even basic wrenching skills. Try Pelican.

[john70t]

You might want to also replace the little plastic bushings on the ends of the pull rods-if they have any slop. Cheap and gives a soild feel.
The handle fix should just be a small c-clip on the swivel-bar and replace.

[thomschoon]

The handle is the outside one, thanx for your help

[76 silver targa]

I just replaced my outside door handle, it was easy. Got a used one on ebay and just replaced the triger not the entire handle. $20.00

Steve

[Dan Owens]

Thom,

You may be able to fix it depending on what exactly happened. You'll need to pull the handle assembly off the car to take it apart to see what broke loose, unless you know for sure. You may also be able to find a used one. Check with Vince Suddard he had a bunch of them last week. His email is: vtsjr@prodigy.net

Dan

[Jdub]

You will need to go into the door panel to do this: great writeup on stripping the door on the Rennlist.

The outside handle has a pair of threaded studs at each end, and they typically get mighty rusty and will shear off. I do not know if you can pull the stud from your broken handle and simply replace it, or if you might be able to drill and tap in a new stud.

Remember when the handle is off to wax the now-exposed paint. Good insurance. Also, when you strip that door, be sure to take time to clean the bottom and grease that regulator. Good time to also check all elect. window connections for corrosion.

Finally, grease the door stop mech., and check that the sheetmetal is not shearing. Pelican sells a reinforcement kit that you should install. Trust me on this one (just ask Superman...).

John

EDIT: Also be sure to grab the three nuts on the door latch mechanism and tighten up via the phillips screws you will see at the other side. Jeez I'm just full of peripheral advice here...

[Wayne 962]

I've got a project in 101 Projects on replacing the door handle...

-Wayne

[911boost]

DEFINITLY DO NOT BUY THE ENTIRE OUTER DOOR HANDLE!

Sorry for the caps, but the new door handle with run you over $300.00 and all you need is the "trigger". I learned this the hard way.

I used the instructions in 101 projects to do mine, except I ran into a little snag, mine had wires running to it for the electric locks I believe, so it complicated the job a little. It is still a very easy DIY project and can save you some major money. I would call a used parts place and see what they will sell it to you for.

As I just did this, if you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Bill