1979 Driver Door Handle

[Tom G.]

Very simply, here is my problem. Depressing the driver side door handle no longer opens the door. The door will still open with the inside handle. I took the door panel off and discovered that a retaining clip had come off of the rod which releases the door mechanism. I struggled mightily and got the clip back on. The door still will not open with the outside handle. I've searched the active and archived threads, but did not come up with any suggestions. Most of the problems seemed to be related to the door handle spring having broken. My spring is fine. The rod connected to the handle seems to no longer have the required movement to unlatch the door. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1979 Driver Door Handle

Mine broke on the handle right above where the rod meets the handle. You might want to look at that handle a little closer.

Patrick

[Michael B.]

Re: 1979 Driver Door Handle

Hi Tom,

"Required Movement" can be further achieved by adjusting the ends of the rods. You may simply have more play in the holes or bend in rod ends themselves. You can buy replacement ends if they are starting to wear and keep in mind they do occasionally break off (with the thread left inside the main rod). If it's close to this break point it can likely already be giggled and broken while you have it exposed. The replacement ends/rods are not that expensive.

If the whole mechanism is loose the play will not allow the door to unlatch either so while everything is exposed make sure everything is torqued down and of course well lubed before closing it up again.

Good luck.

Michael B.

[Tom G.]

Re: 1979 Driver Door Handle

Patrick & Michael, Thanks for the tips. It looks like I need to do more dis-assembly to really find my problem. With the cars age and mileage, I'm sure there has been some metal fatigue. A rebuild is probably in order. Thanks again. Tom