Installation Exterior Door Handle 1968

[Bob S.]

OK,

So, I've heard all the horror stories. Just how difficult IS this R&R.? While I'm at it, do I even NEED to replace it? The only thing wrong is the "Push Thing" (Sorry) itself returns a little too high and doesn't sit flush with the door. Is there a way to fix this without removing the entire handle?

Any suggestions greatly appreciated

Bob
(9944)

[Don L.]

Re: Installation Exterior Door Handle 1968

Bob, IMHO, the R&R of exterior handles is a challenge but not one that should scare you away from doing it, especially if yours are worn out. Putting one of the nuts on the threaded stud was my biggest challenge when I did the job, but I've since taken one of them out again, this time a bit easier due to learning curve benefits.

Take your time and have the right tools, including lots of patience. If you are installing reproduction handles, know that the new ones have a spray coat of silver paint inside the "pocket". Original handles did not have this and judging will yield a deduct. Lacquer thinner will remove the paint, so if judging is in your plans (or maybe for the next owner's), there may be a benefit in removing the paint prior to install. I would not recommend using lacquer thinner to remove the silver paint AFTER the handles are installed. Body paint and lacquer thinner scare me much more that the R&R of the handles.

Hope this helps...

[Wayne W.]

Re: Installation Exterior Door Handle 1968

68 is different and has only one stud with no connection to the latch. I don't think it is particularly difficult to remove.

[Don L.]

Re: Installation Exterior Door Handle 1968

Thanks Wayne. I had forgotten how the '68 handle was different. Shoulda known - '68's have many different nuances!

Now, knowing that there's only one nut, Bob's job just got twice as easy