Stiletto

OK, So I have been trying to do this for the last five hours, and I finally give up. It's just not happening.

What is the trick to getting the long door handle rod (hanging down inside the door with the plastic cap on the end) snapped over the metal ball on the door release rod? I've been trying to do it with two fingers by feel, but it's just not happening. After a few minutes of fiddling, I THINK I have it lined up over the ball, then push with all my might, and it just won't snap over it. I'm ready to snap this thing in half out of frustration.

Anyone know the secret trick?

Grandpa#3

Hi Stiletto, Whenever I run into a problem I always fall back to clarks garage. com or do a SEARCH at top of this page.

http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/body-12.htm

Cheers,
Larry

Calmchaos

I'm pretty sure I had to stick my whole arm in the door and use a flathead to open the plastic socket up a bit.

KuHL 951

I did exactly that until I tore a bicep trying to engage that freaking clip. Then I find out it's easier to do from outside the car with the handle disconnected and drooping.

Spidey944

I used a long slim set of needle nose pliers. By far the biggest PITA i have ever encountered.

Stiletto

Hey, all, thanks for the replies! Here's what worked for me: I simply gave up on the new plastic tip and used the old one. Popped right in. The new one's hole was way too small to fit over the metal ball!

Live and learn...

n_hall

i've got the door handle job down to a few minutes. i don't screw the handle in and get the longest thinest screwdriver i have and twist and push, hard.

luftpirate

I spread the inner area a little by inserting a slotted screwdriver in the slot. The put some grease on it and was able to pop it on by pushing on it with a screwdriver after getting it lined up.

rosco

Yes its a PITA, but its not impossible. It took about 30 minutes for me to do it. All you need is patience

944Ross

I want to meet the guy who did it on the assembly line. Either he ranks up there with Houdini or they had a special set of pliers......

luftpirate

Maybe they assembled it before they put the door together, ya know because it's such a great design it couldn't possibly ever break.

TexasBlake

This is the ONE thing that I was not able to do on my car. After hours, and hours and hours, I finally just took my car to a body shop and paid them $30 to put it on.

BEST $30 I EVER SPENT ON MY 951.