Olds Dad Posted September 8, 2014 Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 Trying to replace the driver's side door handle on my '92 and there's one more screw that is hidden behind the belt line molding along the top of the door - how is this molding held in place? I know there's one screw from the inside of the door handle area (removed that) - but this one needs to be accessed from where the molding is - Is this double sided taped on? screwed? clipped? - I hate forcing this stuff because I don't want to break anything - any advice?? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rich_e777 Posted September 8, 2014 Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 I just put a driver side exterior handle on a day or so ago and cannot recall a hidden screw. After I removed the cover(2x self tapping nuts and a single Philips screw) there is a single TORX bolt that holds the lock cylinder and bracket in place and a single tiny Philips head screw removed from the same area. Anything else holding it, the old handle is either jammed or adhesive in. Work it back and forth and it should come out. I got today off so if you need pics I can do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olds Dad Posted September 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 I just put a driver side exterior handle on a day or so ago and cannot recall a hidden screw. After I removed the cover(2x self tapping nuts and a single Philips screw) there is a single TORX bolt that holds the lock cylinder and bracket in place and a single tiny Philips head screw removed from the same area. Anything else holding it, the old handle is either jammed or adhesive in. Work it back and forth and it should come out. I got today off so if you need pics I can do that. It's funny you say that - I can actually see the screw behind the belt line, but the replacement handle I have in my hands does not have a hole in the same place - I wonder if the convertibles only had this extra one? I'll have to post a picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rich_e777 Posted September 8, 2014 Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 Them convertibles always have to just a bit extra special:lol: Does it appear the screw was added by a previous owner or shop or do you think its factory? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olds Dad Posted September 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 Them convertibles always have to just a bit extra special:lol: Does it appear the screw was added by a previous owner or shop or do you think its factory? definitely looks factory Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rich_e777 Posted September 8, 2014 Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 I took a few pics, I had the cover off already. These are the only two screws inside the door handle for the coupes. The one on top holds the lock cylinder and bracket, the other one hold the handle to the door. If you already have these out and you see another then it must be Vert specific. Two days and 5 openings of the new handle and this sets in. That gouge just above the weight(I call it a weight because I don't know what other purpose it could serve) happens when the sharp edge of the brass piece digs into the lever, the more it digs in the more force it takes to open the door. More force= eventual broken handle. I`d like to engineer a wheel of sorts that will make the actual contact instead of this sliding motion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94 olds vert Posted September 8, 2014 Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 Under the plastic trim there should be a small black screw as I recall, but I haven't had to replace a handle in a few years now. I dont remember anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olds Dad Posted September 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 Under the plastic trim there should be a small black screw as I recall, but I haven't had to replace a handle in a few years now. I dont remember anymore. Ha - yes...that's what I'm asking - do you remember how that plastic trim comes off? I see the screw, but I'm afraid to break the trim - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94 olds vert Posted September 8, 2014 Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 Ok. I have been thinking. I seem to remember there is a screw on the inside of the door frame that holds that on. Look behind the handle. http://www.w-body.com/showthread.php/77393-Drivers-door-won-t-open-now/page2 Look at my post on page 2. That might help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olds Dad Posted September 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 Ok. I have been thinking. I seem to remember there is a screw on the inside of the door frame that holds that on. Look behind the handle. http://www.w-body.com/showthread.php/77393-Drivers-door-won-t-open-now/page2 Look at my post on page 2. That might help. Just so you guys know I'm not crazy!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94 olds vert Posted September 10, 2014 Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 Odd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rich_e777 Posted September 10, 2014 Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 Huh? Is that your factory handle that originally had the hole? The factory handles never had "China" on the back of them. Im am also a bit curious as to where the handle broke at, I have a theory. If they just made the dam things out of steel or aircraft quality aluminum then they wouldn't be so feeble. They are unique but that is so insignificant to the fact they are so crappy. The overpaid team at GM must have been drunk the morning it was decided to use this design. Round that brass part off or you will be pissed when it starts digging into the handle lever, sandpaper isn't good enough I have since found, a Dremel tool or similar works best. I think the problem is the brass part(I am assuming its brass) is of a harder material than the lever itself. I would like to know what company is responsible for importing/manufacturing these parts so I can bring some of these issues up, maybe they will change something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olds Dad Posted September 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 Huh? Is that your factory handle that originally had the hole? The factory handles never had "China" on the back of them. Im am also a bit curious as to where the handle broke at, I have a theory. If they just made the dam things out of steel or aircraft quality aluminum then they wouldn't be so feeble. They are unique but that is so insignificant to the fact they are so crappy. The overpaid team at GM must have been drunk the morning it was decided to use this design. Round that brass part off or you will be pissed when it starts digging into the handle lever, sandpaper isn't good enough I have since found, a Dremel tool or similar works best. I think the problem is the brass part(I am assuming its brass) is of a harder material than the lever itself. I would like to know what company is responsible for importing/manufacturing these parts so I can bring some of these issues up, maybe they will change something. The one I took off has a GM part number on it - and the screw hole had the elastomer sealant in it that most of the other exterior trim screws have - As to the broken part, the cast metal base of the handle broke off just 'behind' the opening. Like you said, if this was steel instead of cast metal, nobody would be replacing these Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nas Escobar Posted September 11, 2014 Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 Thread derail time!! Where do you guys get the acorn nuts? I can't use the ones that were on the ccar.... they don't thread onto my dorman one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94 olds vert Posted September 11, 2014 Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 I picked some new ones up at a hardware store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rich_e777 Posted September 11, 2014 Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 Thread derail time!! Where do you guys get the acorn nuts? I can't use the ones that were on the ccar.... they don't thread onto my dorman one. Ride the Crazy Train to the very end:dance:The ones I got look nothing like the chubby looking things that came from factory. The best ones I found to use look like a washer with a 10mm or 1/2" hex "pressed" into it. Those black things are brittle and crap, the new ones are best put on with a socket as they will dig into the studs of the new handle. At Lowes IIRC they called the self threading nuts and were like $2 for a bag of them. Found in the hardware section with all the nuts, bolts washers, etc. Take your handle in and find the ones that fit the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olds Dad Posted September 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 Thread derail time!! Where do you guys get the acorn nuts? I can't use the ones that were on the ccar.... they don't thread onto my dorman one. Uh oh...I'm going to be at that point tonight (had to take my lock cylinder to a locksmith - wasn't working with my key) - I'll be putting together tonight - hope I don't have the same problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rich_e777 Posted September 11, 2014 Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 It might just need some wd-40 or similar sprayed in it, they build up a lot of crud in there. Every now and then I spray that and run the key in and out several times until whatever is running out starts to clear up. I have seen replacement cylinders for sale at AutoZone's website but Im not sure how much. They might even have replacement hardware at autoparts stores as well. Don't throw the hands up yet your almost there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olds Dad Posted September 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 It might just need some wd-40 or similar sprayed in it, they build up a lot of crud in there. Every now and then I spray that and run the key in and out several times until whatever is running out starts to clear up. I have seen replacement cylinders for sale at AutoZone's website but Im not sure how much. They might even have replacement hardware at autoparts stores as well. Don't throw the hands up yet your almost there. Have a great locksmith in town - she put it all back together for $10 - one of the tumblers was cracked apparently. Hopefully will put it all back together tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackhartjr Posted September 14, 2014 Report Share Posted September 14, 2014 I finally got brave, pulled that molding back as far as I dared, and got a small screwdriver in enough to get that pesky screw out! I just knew I would break the molding, but didn't! I still have not taken the time t]o find out why mine is not opening from the outside, it looks like it's going down enough, but isn't. Someone said the cylinder might be catching, I will check that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olds Dad Posted September 15, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 15, 2014 Got it done - was lucky and the acorn nuts fit my replacement (I threaded them on first so the threads were already cut once the piece was back in place) - stupid little "nub" that retains the door moulding at the end broke off but I'll put some double tape in there and it should be fine. Nice to be able to open the driver's door again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Posted September 19, 2014 Report Share Posted September 19, 2014 I know exactly what you are talking about and no you are not crazy. When I had to replace my original driver side door handle it had that pesky EXTRA SCREW. I was unable to get the EXTRA SCREW out without removing the door trim piece. Removing the door trim piece: Remove inner door panel, remove mirror, pry up on metal clips that hold door trim in place (inside of door). After market door handles don't have the extra hole. And yes, I had to do mine the hard way. Glad you got it!!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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