How do you get those little clips off?

FranksPlace2 · 04-21-2002, 12:48 PM

I am trying to change out the right inside door handle on my '77 Targa. I removed the assembly from the door and the handle itself is hinged on a shaft with "snap on" type clips on each end. To change the handle, the shaft must be removed. But I can't get the clips off.

They aren't really snap on clips because they don't have small loops to insert a snap on clip remover tool.

I tried prying them off and succeed in breaking my knife.

So, how do you get those clips off?

Thanks for your help.

Frank

Eric Coffey · 04-21-2002, 01:25 PM

I just did this job last week, and came upon the same obstacle. What worked for me was a set of curved-end needle nose pliers (I'm sure the non-curved ones would work as well). I simply opened the pliers to the same width as the ends of the clips, and applied enough (even) pressure to just barely unseat them, while holding the shaft steady with my free hand. Then I rotated the shaft 180 degrees and pulled the clips off of the shaft. You can remove them without the second step, but the clip will most likely fly off, never to be seen again. You only need to remove the top clips and the shaft slides right out. To put them back, I placed the clips in the tip of the same pliers and pushed them back into place (a lot easier than removing them).

mogavero · 04-22-2002, 05:27 AM

I just changed my door handles last week. I removed the whole door pull to make it easier to work with. To remove the little clips, I used a small screw driver and pushed on the edge of the open end of the clip. At that point it slid out enough to grab with some curved needle nose pliers

FranksPlace2 · 04-22-2002, 05:42 AM

Thanks, Eric and John.

I think Eric must be a surgeon to do it with needle nose pliers only. I tried to no avail.

John's solution looks easier. I'll try that this evening.

If all else fails, I''ll just cut the shaft. I bought a new one just in case.

Frank

Jgordon · 04-22-2002, 06:18 AM

I wouldn't cut the shaft just yet. I used the needle-nosed pliers, and I had some success. Just hold the pliers open against the two ends of the "C", and put them on a slight downward angle. I recall that there was a point where you could apply more pressure holding the pliers closed than actually pushing, and they'd stay in place. At this point, just push them. You have to push pretty hard, so be careful. I ended up "losing" a c clip, only to find it later on one of my speaker magnets. try this a couple of times before cutting.

good luck.

FranksPlace2 · 04-23-2002, 03:10 PM

The good news is I got the clip off and removed the haft without cutting it.

The bad news is I have no idea where the clip went. I was prying with the screwdrive and pulling with the needlenose. Then I couldn't find it at all.

I just used the one from the bottom to reassemble it. I think one is enough as long as i keep the shiny side up.

Thanks again for your help.

Frank

Jgordon · 04-23-2002, 03:14 PM

That is EXACTLY what happened to me!!!!!!! Same situation, same problem, same "oh well" conclusion. I found the thing a month later, stuck to the magnet on my door woofer.

That's what I love about this board, it's all about shared experience.