How do I correctly remove the exterior door handles?

[mgmsleeper]

As the title says

How do I correctly remove the exterior door handles?

[Spectragod]

Punch the centers out of the 1/4'' rivets, then drill them out with a 1/4" bit.

You will need to remove the interior panels so you can disconnect the linkage.

[mgmsleeper]

I'd have to buy new ones to replace?

[blkZooM]

I'd have to buy new ones to replace?

if your asking about buying new ones to replace the centers no, they snap back in when your done. just be very careful, mine broke off from being to rough with it

[Spectragod]

I'd have to buy new ones to replace?

You will need to buy new 1/4" rivets, your body guy should be able to steer you in the right direction, it will also require a 1/4" capable rivet gun.

[fastblackmerc]

As mentioned previously op out the stem of the rivet.

Break off the 3 "ears".

Pop out the rivet.

Use 1/4-20 x 3/4" bolts, nuts and washers instead of rivets.

[Spectragod]

As mentioned previously op out the stem of the rivet.

Break off the 3 "ears".

Pop out the rivet.

Use 1/4-20 x 3/4" bolts, nuts and washers instead of rivets.

Way easier to knock out the centers and drill them with a 1/4" bit. Ford has put handles on cars like this since the 80's, I must have removed/reinstalled 4-500 in the body shop business.

You can cut the ears off from the back side, good luck, lots of pars in the way, window channels, glass, linkage etc...

Either way, good luck.

[EMAS]

Do not use a 1/4" bit to drill them out that is a good way to wallow out the holes so the new rivet or nut and bolt does not fit well. Use at least a 3/8" bit and stop drilling as soon as the head starts to spin. Then drive the remains out with a punch. That also prevents you from messing up the paint that is keeping your metal covered and free from rust.

[Spectragod]

Do not use a 1/4" bit to drill them out that is a good way to wallow out the holes so the new rivet or nut and bolt does not fit well. Use at least a 3/8" bit and stop drilling as soon as the head starts to spin. Then drive the remains out with a punch. That also prevents you from messing up the paint that is keeping your metal covered and free from rust.

The rivets used for the handles are at least an inch long, if the hole is "wallowed out", it will not matter, when the rivet collapses, it will function as it is supposed to. If you choose to take advice from someone who has never been in the body business, then you may as well ask someone from Home Depot how to do it.

You handles are painted, you do want the head to spin, it will tear your handles up.

Just my 5.0 cents worth.

[mgmsleeper]

No need to start a flame. I appreciate all the input. Thanks to you all

[mgmsleeper]

Mods lock it up

[Spectragod]

No need to start a flame. I appreciate all the input. Thanks to you all

Just didn't want to see you tear up some unobtainable door handles.

[mgmsleeper]

Just didn't want to see you tear up some unobtainable door handles.

Thank you !!

[EMAS]

There is no way to guarantee if you use a 1/4" bit to drill directly in the center of the rivet. As such you can end up spinning the rivet and you have to spin it for a while to get it drilled all the way out so you end up wrecking the paint and ending up with an oversized hole too. If done right with the larger bit it it only spins a half a turn or less. Also the paint can be redone while you can't drill the hole back to round unless you go oversize.

[Phrog_gunner]

There is no way to guarantee if you use a 1/4" bit to drill directly in the center of the rivet. As such you can end up spinning the rivet and you have to spin it for a while to get it drilled all the way out so you end up wrecking the paint and ending up with an oversized hole too. If done right with the larger bit it it only spins a half a turn or less. Also the paint can be redone while you can't drill the hole back to round unless you go oversize.

An oversized hole, or a square hole, or a triangle hole really don't matter in the case of riveting. Rivets exert force on the inner and outer sides of the piece of metal, not the "wall" of the hole.

[Spectragod]

An oversized hole, or a square hole, or a triangle hole really don't matter in the case of riveting. Rivets exert force on the inner and outer sides of the piece of metal, not the "wall" of the hole.


Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner....:D

[RoyLPita]

Just didn't want to see you tear up some unobtainable door handles.

+1 on this.