911sc door handle doesn't work

justinbaldwin · 08-08-2003, 03:46 PM

hi guys,

i've just experienced a very distressing situation, my door handle doesn't work! so i can't get into my car! i pull the little lever back but nothing happens. is there a quick fix or do i need new handle?

thanks

justin

Jdub · 08-08-2003, 04:14 PM

The paddle on which the little trigger hits may have gone astray.

You are going to have to go into the door panel: there are great instructions for doing this either here or at Rennlist: get the instructions and it is pretty much a breeze for the SC.

Now, as long as you are going into the door, you need to take a VERY close look at where the door stop goes into the door. Do you see ANY deformation or sheetmetal ripping? This would mean you need to get the door reinforcement kit (about $75.00 from Pelican). It is preventative behavior but is a very good idea.

Now, while you are in there, do your car and yourself a huge favor and:
= grease the regulator (the "X" that raises the door. Get all the old grease out and put fresh grease in.
= vaccum all the junk off the bottom of the door and lay a layer of oil or grease at the bottom to prevent rusting. Be sure the drain holes are all open
= reach in and grease the tongue that goes from the body into the door. You can't really reach this unless the door panel is off.
= grease peripherals (trigger, etc.) and be sure the little donuts are on the straight rods are in place (this prevents rattling).

Really, going into the door presents an opportunity to get the window to operate as it used to, etc. Think of this as a good thing!

Finally, the door handle is held in place using a set of threaded studs that can rust and become a real PITA. Be very, very careful when you unscrew any nuts from that door handle, being sure to soak them in something before laying any sort of wrench on them.

Best of luck,
John

PS: Do a search on Door Panel for a full rundown on other things you can do.

justinbaldwin · 08-09-2003, 03:33 AM

wow, thanks, i was wondering what to do this weekend!

regards

jb

fred cook · fred cook's Garage

Pull the door handle out and look to see if the actuating rod has come unclipped. It is held onto the door handle by a small nylon bushing that can deteriorate and crumble. If all you have to replace is the bushing, then you will be out a couple of bucks, but you will save the time needed to remove and replace the door panel.

Good Luck!

Fred Cook
'80 911SC coupe

justinbaldwin · 08-09-2003, 04:17 PM

well i got in there and sorted it out temporarily at least, it looks as though there was something on the end of the little actualting rod, the paddle was still in place, but the rod wasn't pushing it far enough in, temporarily i drilled out a small rod that fits over the actuating rod to lengthen it. the door now works.

except that now the central locking isn't quite right so tomorrow i'll have to sort that out. still at least it's on the mend and not too scary.

the other good news is that the whole door was rust free and solid, i've put a couple of layers of anti rust paint in there to keep it honest.

i might add some sound deadening too at some point in the future, there's plenty of room for it.

thanks once again

justin

Jdub · 08-11-2003, 06:53 AM

Fred:

How do you pull the door handle out without pulling the panel?

John

justinbaldwin · 08-12-2003, 10:17 AM

i don't think that's possible. the handle is held on by two bolts fixed with nuts on the inside, there is no access to these without taking off the panel, or at least loosening it enough at that end.

Jdub · 08-12-2003, 01:21 PM

That's right, but I figured if Fred had figured a new way to skin a cat then I'd want to know about it.

Hope you greased up that regulator. Dirty regulators is how the electric window motors die and the fuses heat up.

By the way, I've owned a W107, W108 and a W111. How I loved that coupe!

John