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68 mustang replacing door handles

  • Thread starter Thread starter MustangMando
  • Start date Start date Apr 2, 2012

MustangMando

Member
Jul 16, 2011
107
0
17
Apr 2, 2012
#1
  • Apr 2, 2012
  • #1
Can anyone help me with the replacing of door handle? What is the easiest way to replace door handles?
 
2

2+2GT

10 Year Member
Apr 25, 2009
3,333
10
79
Southeastern Pennsylvania
Apr 2, 2012
#2
  • Apr 2, 2012
  • #2
There is only one way. You have to remove the interior door panel.
 

MustangMando

Member
Jul 16, 2011
107
0
17
Apr 2, 2012
#3
  • Apr 2, 2012
  • #3
Excuse my ignorance, but how do i remove the interior door panel?
Thanks in advance
 
2

2+2GT

10 Year Member
Apr 25, 2009
3,333
10
79
Southeastern Pennsylvania
Apr 2, 2012
#4
  • Apr 2, 2012
  • #4
With one of these. About $5 from Glazier/Nolan. Remove the door and window handles, and the arm rest. The pry up each panel clip. The chrome outside handle is connected to the latch by a pushrod, and the to the door with a nut inside the door, and a Phillips head machine screw at the back of the door. I put a little masking tape on the tool to protect the door from scratches.

 

MustangMando

Member
Jul 16, 2011
107
0
17
Sep 19, 2012
#5
  • Sep 19, 2012
  • #5
Does anybody know where i can get some good door handles?
 

bartl

Active Member
Feb 4, 2001
218
8
29
West Rutland, Vermont
Sep 22, 2012
#6
  • Sep 22, 2012
  • #6
Most of the Mustang supply houses have the Scott Drake reproductions. Get the more expensive "concours" version.
 
G

geordie

Founding Member
May 10, 2002
576
2
19
Sep 24, 2012
#7
  • Sep 24, 2012
  • #7
MustangMando, below are some things I learnt whilst dismantling my door on my 65' Coupe recently. I needed to take the door card off as I couldn't open the drivers side door from the outside. I suspected that the rod had become detached. It had, a $4 plastic pawl had failed. Anyway, what I learned dismantling the door.
1. I'ts tricky to get the C-Clips out from the door handles, first off I couldn't remember which way they went in, second, even with the correct tool, you do scuff up the door card after multiple attempts. When I put the door back together I took a photo of the clip install for future.
2. Even with a set of plastic trim trim removal tools from Harbor Frieght, I couldn't get the door card off undamaged. you need to apply pressure directly under each point. Good news, using tape, I protectected my new door paint without damage. Take your time, this is one of those jobs that I'm sure success comes with practice.
3. Putting the window up and lossening the left hand window guide bolts (4) and removing the bolts, will allow you to slide the left hand window guide to the right, inside the door, and allow the latch to be removed.
4. While the latch was out I cleaned it up, installed all new rod retainers and pawl, lubed it up.
5. You can only remove / reinstall the latch when it is 'locked'
6. I already knew this, but don't overtighten the latch screws or the serrated washers will tear up your paint.
7. Getting the rods back in place with the latch installed is tricky, but can be done, use a mirror and patience.
8. I bought new vapor barriers. When installing the new door card, use the vapor barrier from the opposite door to help align the door clips on the door card prior to install. It's not intuitive from the door card where they go.
9. Use a knife to cut the door card for the door pull screws, small incision only needed.
10. Take your time, as always a digital camera helps.

Door latch works now, I damaged the door card, but no biggy, didn't mess up the paintwork, enjoyed it.

Hope this helps
 
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