I just recieved a new interior door handle I purchased and I'd like to install just that I'm not exactly sure of what I need to do. I left my haynes manuel at my mom's house two hours away and my 82 Firebird shop manual doesn't have anything on interior parts. Do I need to just remove the plastic pieces around the door handle or do I need to remove the whole door panel. I just want to get an idea and then I can probably figure it out once I know where to start. I just don't want to start somewhere and be wrong about it. Thanks in advance.

 

I've never done it but I imagine you might have to take off the whole door panel, but I don't know for sure. Just remove the door plastic trim and see if you can do it without the door panel or not. I believe you will also need a drill to drill out the rivet(s) that is holding the old door handle in place. Shouldn't be hard at all.

 

No one else has removed or replaced an interior door handle before?

 

save yourself the headache and remove the whole panel, reach in the door and disco the rod with the little clip going to the handle, drill out the rivet and pull the handle away from the door, it kinda slides out horizontaly, put the new one in the same way, you can use a bolt instead but I always use a new rivet.


At the shop I used to work at I used to replase one a month almost

very easy, 20 minutes tops

dont forget to hook the rod back up :P


Rich
TotalTraction
performance suspension

 

I just had to do this very thing last weekend...very simple. Disconneting the top of the trim panel can get a little frustrating, be patient, it will come off. I found having the window rolled down was key. Its a push down and push out type of action. I followed the advice of others from this site while I had it off and lubricated the window glides with lithium grease. Made a difference! I also re-rivited (sp?) the handle back in. Hope this helps.

 

You guys sound like you know what you are talking about. Can I add a question? How do you change the actual mirror on the drivers side? I have a completely new mirror and want to change the old wonky one. I only want to change the mirror and not the housing or frame because I would have to have it repainted. The mirror is manual with the remote inside. Any help please before I start? Thanks