Remove door handles

[Crom Cruach]

Can anyone tell me how to remove the door handles? Getting ready for paint and much as I don’t want to remove them I might regret it later. Also is it possible to open the door when they are off?

spear wasn’t easy to remove either

[MC1of80]

You have to remove the door panels (door cards?) Then remove the 2 -3/8 bolts that hold the door handles on. Not easy but not hard either to get to.  Smaller hands help. 

[Dtret]

Yes you can open the doors without the handles. There is a lever that the handle pushes against. Just use your finger with the handle off. 

[Crom Cruach]

Ok so I have no excuse for not removing them is what you’re saying 😂

[Dtret]

I’d remove the upper trim and the key lock also. 

[Marks71]

I’d remove the mirrors too. I’m assuming they’re still on because they’re remote. If you’re removing the door panels, might as well do the mirrors also. I think you’ll be glad you did.

[Jared Richey]

You'll regret not taking any trim off that lays against the paint. 

[Crom Cruach]

100% on the mirrors & lock, but the trim looks like I would have to remove the glass to get to the screws - on the rear glass anyway - I’m just not willing to go that far. I did get the vertical trim off the doors allright. Just have to tackle the hood trim next. 

[Scott S.]

Paul,

If you're talking about the window felts, a magnetized #2 Philips (cross) screwdriver will reach the screws on the doors fairly easily.... As for the rear side windows, it's easier to remove the interior panels and have the windows rolled down to reach the screws. 

If your hands are small enough, you may be able to reach in through the vent panels on the door jabs......  

Just a thought, Scott.

[Marks71]

If you remove the rubber bump stop that the window mechanism sits on, it will allow you to lower the window about another 1/2” to expose the felt mounting screws a little better. Be careful not to go too far or the guide rollers will come out of the guide channel. Not the end of the world, just a little finagling to get them back in.

[Crom Cruach]

15 hours ago, Marks71 said:

If you remove the rubber bump stop that the window mechanism sits on, it will allow you to lower the window about another 1/2” to expose the felt mounting screws a little better. Be careful not to go too far or the guide rollers will come out of the guide channel. Not the end of the world, just a little finagling to get them back in.

Great tip Mark, I’ll take a look at this, thanks 

[Crom Cruach]

How do you remove the bump stop? It’s just spinning, is that an alan key bolt in the centre?

[Dtret]

You should just be able to pull the whole bracket off. 

[Crom Cruach]

got it. There was a lump of black goop (seam sealer?) covering the bolt. I see there are two of them and both height adjustable.

The key lock was wedged in there, got it eventually. 
 

[Scott S.]

The "goop" is an early method of anti-vibration tech.... If they gooped the bolt, it wouldn't loosen, and things wouldn't fall out of adjustment. 

Cheaper and easier than a lock nut/washer.

[Marks71]

Glad you got it. Replace the door handle and lock gaskets when you’re re assembling. They’re real cheap. 

[Marks71]

One thing that is extremely helpful, and I’m sure Dennis and most the others can attest to, is a factory assembly manual. It’s dedicated to your year car. ss396.com has them for $25 plus shipping. They were actual reference guides used by the factory during the build process. They can make life easier when putting your car back together. There is another that I don’t have, but will probably get, and that’s the Fisher Body Manual. Maybe someone can chime in on that one.

[cny first gen 71]

They are available on Amazon also

[Dtret]

Yep I have them. For my 70 and 71. But not for the 72, I don’t think. Lol. They are also available in cd form. 

[Crom Cruach]

Finally got her in primer. Man the prep work is endless. 

[Leghome]

If the prep work is not done well then the finished product does not look very good.  Preparation is everything for a great paint job.

[MC1of80]

9 minutes ago, Leghome said:

If the prep work is not done well then the finished product does not look very good.  Preparation is everything for a great paint job.

So agree! Prep, prep and reprep. She's looking good, can't wait to see the finished product. 

[1970mcss]

Looking good, can't wait to see the finished product 

[cny first gen 71]

Looks great, yes the prep work is a pain but very important. I've learned a lot since I did mine so if I ever attempt it again I know what I'm in for. Take your time it'll come out great.

[Crom Cruach]

Yeah I’m learning on the job. If you don’t take the time to do it right the first time, you will the second time! I prefer to do it once. Guide coat and lots of sanding next.