Exterior door handle broke. How hard is it?

[JIMJAM]

Long time guys but today I shut the door and it snagged the car cover. I flicked the driv side handle and it broke leaving the door cockeyed. Luckily it opens/closes fine but you must reach in and use the arm rest handle. The break appears to be the forward part of the handle as i can see the break where it obviously attached to something.
Question- Ron and I have done everything to this car that can be done and I have left blood in those doors replacing window lifts. That said I am now partially disabled due to 3 ruined lower back disc so the hardcore bending,laying on floors,hands over my head for periods of time is out. The DMC add makes it seem like replacing the handles with the new and improved is so easy a Gov employee could do it.
Is this true????? Anyone have the actual instructions on pdf or is there a "How to" so I can judge if its within my ability. Also anything else to get "while I am at it' Also, what is the part number for these "screws/bolts" that are easy to lose within the door? I would like to grab a few cause i know I will.
If not, its time for a road trick up into the NC mountains just as the pollen hits.
BTW- Vin 1597, Thanks, Jim in SC.

[David T]

Replacing the door handle isn't that hard. You must get inside the door to do it and you may have to make a minor adjustment. Recommended you do both sides. One way to make it easier to do is to make a short piece of wire about 12" long with an "S" hook on one end and a loop on the other. Sitting on the sill with your feet on the floor you hook it over the rear striker pin and snag the door in one of the bolt holes for the door guide. Now you can sit comfortably while you chop your hands up inside the door. Or you can cover the edges with some duct tape.

[JIMJAM]

Hey Thanks. Knew it was a matter of time. Hell 'I had a 2008 Mustang door handle break off in my hand so 1981 is not that bad.

[Dangermouse]

I must say that I found it quite a PITA.

It's held on with two nuts that are installed from inside the door. The first one went on easy but it took forever to get the second on as you have to do it blind. Kept dropping it inside the door. A short socket with tape holding the nut on helped enormously.

That or finding someone with small hands.

[JIMJAM]

Well I have left a lot of my dna in those doors and some creative sentences for any future poor bastard who has to get in there. Look like it will,be me. If I had to replace the window motors again I would seriously replace them with clean lexan or plexiglass.No way I would go though that again. BTW- Which bolt or bolts parts # are the ones that I "will" drop so I can order a few to have around?
Pollen has kicked in so its good time as ever to keep the car indoors. Any other info, diagrams, experiences,pictures, 3 foot tall mechanics with small hands etc feel free to post them.

[DMCVegas]

It's easy. Just put a daub of axle grease in a socket to hold the nuts in place when you go to bolt the new handle up. Also, don't over-torque them on the new handle.

Be aware however that you may need to adjust the cable that connects to the bellcrank afterwards. Again, very simple, but be aware of it.

[JIMJAM]

Edit for DMCVEGAS- The part that broke was the drivers side front plastic arm. I have not had time to stare at a exploded view other than the parts but whatever the fron was connected to is where it snapped. I am wanting to verify which screw you guys are talking about so /i can grab a few. I listed a link below. Thanks for your your info.



Knock on wood. Been a while since I stared at the DMC site. Did they ever improve the Inner door seal or is it still like warm bubble gum and tears if you look at it wrong? Also, still wondering about that screw that everyone says is a pita so i can order a few. https://store.delorean.com/p-6660-aeronut-m6.aspx Is that it?
Other than a few fir tree snap ons and the 2 handles hopefully thats it. But as you know until you get in there you never know what to expect.

[David T]

When you put your order together check your stock and see if you need anything else like bulbs, struts, oil filters, air filters, extra key, etc. DMCH is not the only place to buy door seals. Other vendors sell different seals, some better than others. If you drop hardware inside the door you want to get it out or it just rattles around in there. A magnet on a stick (or a telescoping handle) is "just the ticket". You should not need anything extra. You *could* lube the lock cylinders with some graphite powder.

[SS Spoiler]

If you drop a bolt in the door just pop one of the
red or amber light fixtures out and snag it with a magnet....

[powerline84]

I just did this a few weeks ago...take it from me lol take the time to throw some duct tape on the edges of the door were you stick your hand in...they are so sharp your hands will get sliced pretty quick.

[JIMJAM]

Great info guys, Thanks alot. You are giving me much needed encouragement to tackle this since my back went out. Simple task as jacking the car doing a look over, bending over the engine to check connections are now extremely difficult. Appreciate the positive comments.
YES. I have every magnet go getter known to man. My valley of death has been into many,many times. I am going to do a good walk around and pad my order as if I need any encouragement. I am just GLAD it was not the torsion bar. I have seen 2 go, one back in 1982 my father owned and another at a show.
Sit on my hands and plan to order Sun night.

PS Powerline- My DNA is all in those doors. I completely took the interior out and covered it with sound proofing. Been in the doors more than I care to remember. Latest was about 2 yrs ago when both window assy were replaced. I would rather have a root canal done through my ear than do that job again.

[Dangermouse]

BTW- Which bolt or bolts parts # are the ones that I "will" drop so I can order a few to have around?
.

http://store.delorean.com/p-9487-exterior-door-handle.aspx

http://store.delorean.com/images/Product/large/100579.JPG

The picture doesn't show it but there are two studs cast into the back of the handle. For me, it was the nuts that go on the studs that I had trouble with. No idea what size they are but when you get your handles you can work it out - Home Depot etc will have them.

As mentioned above, don't over tighten as you will snap the studs off.

[JIMJAM]

Ok so the nuts do not come with it? Maybe I can rob the old ones off if they fit.
I get need to get up in there are see how this contraption works. If its like anything else I have delt with it will be in the worst possible location, blind, insane angles, require safety procedures, and require the use of words I have not used in a while but they will come to me, often and at loud volumes. The neighbors know about the car and are accustomed to it. I have not had a drink in 10 years but now might be a good time to start. hahhaha, I always overthink and stress.:frantic:

[Rich_NYS]

I replaced both of mine....very easy.

With the upper door panel off, you can see the backside of the handle and the two nuts the hold it on.

I loosen the nuts with a 1/4 drive socket w/extension, then use a "grabber" tool to grab the nut and spin it off...no worries about dropping it in the door, and no reaching into the door.

Installation is the reverse [of course.]


My door panels are currently off....I can take pics as needed.

[DMCVegas]

Edit for DMCVEGAS- The part that broke was the drivers side front plastic arm. I have not had time to stare at a exploded view other than the parts but whatever the fron was connected to is where it snapped. I am wanting to verify which screw you guys are talking about so /i can grab a few. I listed a link below. Thanks for your your info.



Knock on wood. Been a while since I stared at the DMC site. Did they ever improve the Inner door seal or is it still like warm bubble gum and tears if you look at it wrong? Also, still wondering about that screw that everyone says is a pita so i can order a few. https://store.delorean.com/p-6660-aeronut-m6.aspx Is that it?
Other than a few fir tree snap ons and the 2 handles hopefully thats it. But as you know until you get in there you never know what to expect.

Assuming you are looking @ part 25 on on Section 8-4-1 for the Door Mechanism, yes, that is the one (it's a common part number, and just clicking that link leads to other random sections of DMCH's Parts Site). You reuse those nuts on the new door handles.

Replacing the door handles for myself was very easy. I just had to pop the upper door trim off and had at it. I also was able to do with with the door closed, sitting in the seat. And the reason being was because I placed a dollop of axle grease inside of the socket to hold the nut in place while I screwed it in. If you don't, the repair can be a very frustrating experience to be sure as you keep dropping the nut inside of the door, and have to keep opening it and re-positioning yourself to fish it out.

Connecting the External Door Handle to the Bell Crank is a steel cable inside of a plastic sheath. You may very well have to readjust this cable. I know I did. What you may also want to do is clean that cable out and re-lubricate it. Wash it with WD-40 (if you live in a dusty area), and then spray it inside with some grease to fill the tube. Otherwise you can run the risk of preloading the Bell Crank. When that happens you'll have your rear latch disengage while your front one stays in place because the internal locks are binding the latch up. If that ever happens, just press the Interior Door Handle DOWN to reset the latch assemblies and the door will unlock and open right up.

Just remember to only work on one door at a time, and at least leave the other window rolled down so you can get back in.

[JIMJAM]

Its been a while since I needed you guys but THANKS. I really mean that. I am going to order Sun night Julie or James flip a coin and get her done.
Pictures you say? I love pictures fell free to post away as i am sure this will become a good source of info as I plan to post my progress and well as any blood I leave behind. I did contact my buddy who is going to drop by and help. He has rather big hands but smart as hell.

[Rich_NYS]

~snip~He has rather big hands but smart as hell.


In case my post was overlooked by everyone talking about grease, tape, and cut hands:


~snip~
I loosen the nuts with a 1/4 drive socket w/extension, then use a "grabber" tool to grab the nut and spin it off...no worries about dropping it in the door, and no reaching into the door.
~snip~.


If I get a chance tonight I'll get pics.

[JIMJAM]

Yeah I am not ordering until sun so it will be probably late next wk/weekend.
So far today the lawnmower will not start, blew out a ceiling fan light fixture and the sink faucet will not stop dripping so i am not getting near the car.

[JIMJAM]

BTW What size are these nuts? Getting together all my tools "been a while". I do have lots of extensions from dealing with dash work and the usually grabber tools,magnetic wands. Just want to know the socket size, deep,shallow etc. Sure I have it finding them is usually the most frustrating part.

[Rich_NYS]

I took pics and attempted a video of my "grabber tool" method for the door handle nuts.


10mm nuts on the back of the door handle:

49519


I use a 1/4 drive with extension to loosen (but not remove) the nuts. Sometimes it's necessary to try the grabber, then use the socket a bit more until it's loose enough:

49520
49521


Use the grabber tool to finish removing the nut:

49522
49523
49524

I've used this method multiple times, for different parts in the door and other hard to reach places. No reaching in the door, no dropped nuts..etc. It works great, but for some reason whenever I post it the conversation goes on about using tape or grease and how you need to be careful not to drop anything in the door....choose whatever method works for you.

If I can edit my video without too much hassle I'll post a link.

[JIMJAM]

Wow thanks good stuff.
I don't think Texas has even shipped my order yet so no rush.No where in the car I have not been and iirc 10mm were all in the dash and I should have everything. Thanks again..

[Rich_NYS]

Here's a video I made of the procedure I use. I was recording with one hand while working with the other, so it's not very smooth:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au956OorsgY

[JIMJAM]

Appears to be something I have done many times except I use very creative, emotional language that makes my pets go into hiding. Maybe thats something I can offer the community is "Things to never say around your Delorean." Example.. "This should only take 15 minutes."
Thanks, just waiting on parts.

[JIMJAM]

:nutkick:

I see some things never change. After sitting on my hands a week seeing "not yet shipped" from Houston, I called and was told they are on back order and it will be 3+ months. Thats nice to know. Told they usually send a email and if I wanted to WAIT 3 months or when they arrived. What the hell? This reminds me of another vendor NOT the main DMC head quarters. You really do need to hold hands and verify every thing you do.
I remember once waiting 2 wks and finding out a order well over $1000 was held up over some bolts.
Anyways I know where to get em and have gave them the entire order. Its been a while since I ordered anything but I should have known *ALWAYS CALL*. Verify everything in is stock and if something is not, CALL ME.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I have two new metal door handles I've been holding for when my OEM ones break. If that's what you need, I can send them to you if you replace them when they are back in stock.

[JIMJAM]

Hey man long time. You are always there to save me..

Thanks but I ordered them from someone I knew had them and that what upsets me is I should have went through them in the 1st place.
I am kinda numb to this kinda crap after so long.

[JIMJAM]

First warm day so I tackled it and "knocks on real wood not that particle crap" went so smooth it made me nervous.
1st off, BUY the spring loaded claw thingie with the sharp grabbers. Its one of those tools that pays for itself in one job. This is that job. Loosen the bolts but don't be tempted to go to far. Grab it, finish it off and done.
I then was able to push the assembly out the hole enough to take off and reattach the cable to the new handle. I would go ahead and buy another spare cable unless it would not bother you if the original broke and you had to place another order.
My only question and why I am leaving the side panel off for now is how tight are the bolts put back on. My originals came off real easy which on the Delorean is a blessing. The assembly feels tight,works well so I leave it. that said, I can still tighten them but they give me the impression of the type that keep going until something breaks.
So, with a claw grabber, one of those head mounted lights to see, and 10mm with extension it was a 1 out of 5 on the D scale.
To drop a bolt, have one not come off or break a old cable head off that simply slides into the handle and catches it could easily jump to a 2 or 3.
Thanks to all that helped. I think I will wait on the passenger handle as I rarely have passengers and when I do I open/shut the door.

[Dangermouse]

Glad it all worked out for you Jim :)