Door Handle Removal - Write-Up w/ Photos

FRZ951 · FRZ951's Garage

During my actual project, I had to search for the door handle removal. I found some good stuff on Clark's Garage and also on PelicanParts, but they are pretty straight forward. Some details aren't shown, and many of us have hard time when come the time to install the door handle knuckles.. But there is the easy way. It is a little bit longer but you will be sure to not break anything, and the install will be smooth. So I decided to write my own to help you guys.

Tools:

Philips head screwdriver
Medium and Long flat screwdriver
8mm socket

Step 1:

Door Panel Removal

Step 2:

Remove the clip and the little shaft

Step 3:

Using the 8mm socket, remove the 3 screws to remove the plate behind the Power Lock Actuator, then slide down the plate

Step 4:

To have access to the Door Handle Knuckles, we have to remove the Power Window Guide. Removing this guide is the secret to make this work easy.

To remove it, simply unscrew this little boy down there with the 8mm socket, then slide down the guide. Sometimes you have to jiggle-wiggle a little but go carefully to be sure to not break or pry something. Normally this should be easy to remove.

Now you have access to the Door Handle Knuckles as shown. We will pop them out later.

Step 5 on the next post as we are restricted to 12 images by post.

FRZ951 · FRZ951's Garage

Step 5:

Unscrew the Door Handle lock.

Step 6:

Slide the door towards the front of the car to unblock the handle.
Then partially bring out the handle, just enough to see the mechanism.

Step 7:

With the medium long flat head screwdriver, gently pop out the white transparent knuckle. If the image isn't clear enough, you can look at the other side, or the last image in the previous post.

Step 8:

With the long flat head screwdriver, gently pop out the other knuckle which is located inside the door. I use the door panel as leverage to help to pry.

Step 9:

Disconnect the door handle mechanism wire ;
Remove the wire from the plastic clip ;
Remove the handle from the door.

That's it!!
Installation is reverse.

soxnail · 04-27-2020, 06:37 AM

Very nice thanks, I am about to fix the power lock system. It works fine with a key (both doors lock and unlock) but if I use the switch in the car it just clicks and won't lock. In 4 tries it might work once. Unlock always works.
Sox

nize · nize's Garage

thanks for the nice write-up. i've added to the 951 reference page.

i have to replace the door hinge, and can't figure out how to access the bolt behind the body, but that's a different job.

mytrplseven · mytrplseven's Garage

I just finished recovering from repairs of damaged door lock/opening mechanisms during post paint reassembly of everything. The locks were so screwed up, I ended locking my self out of the car and had to enter through the rear hatch. Bottom line, I rebuilt, cleaned and lubed all the door opening and locking mechanisms and replaced the door opening links (which the shop damaged) and the weathered upper window channels. This was another learning experience and another major PITA and now I get to finally drive my 5 year restoration project of my '86 951.