'85.5 - does the door panel half to come off to remove door handle??

[VT944]

Hi all,

Just wondering if the door panel has to come off to remove/install the door handle on a '85.5 944. I have the handle off the car, but the door release rod is still hooked up and I can't see where it releases. The car does not have central lock.

I've changed Audi's and Volkswagen's door handles without removing the door panel. The Porsche handle looks very simmilar. Can it be done???

Thanks,

[NickZaimis]

I'm afraid that you have to remove the door panel.
It seems that the (2) plastic clips inside the panel are within rich , but......