40 ford outside door handle removal

[glassmanjaf]

In order to refurbish my doors, I would like to remove the hardware to clean and paint. Most is straightforward, but in getting the outside door handles off, I pulled the small screw out on the side that looks like it would hold the handle on, I would think that it would then wiggle off, but it doesn't. I don't want to try to force it off without knowing fully how is comes apart. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[deuce_roadster]

If this is a convertible there is a nut on the inside (might be LH thread). Otherwise it is just the square shaft stuck in the mechanism, may be rusted. Take the door panel off and look. You can take a punch and tap on the end of the square shaft.
If this is the passenger side, you didn't remove the set screw that holds the lock in did you?
The screw that holds the handle on is short but is probably 1/4 20 and comes in at an angle.

 

[TJ]

Once the screw is out tip the handle downward to the four o'clock position and pull outward. This is how it is done on a closed car.

 

[glassmanjaf]

so the shaft comes out with the handle?

 

[4dFord/SC]

so the shaft comes out with the handle?

Yes

 

[JSeery]

This is what they look like.

 

[skidmarks]

I found it easier, after the screw is out and with the door open. Push the latch dog in alittle with your thumb and as you pull the door handle out wiggle it at the same time. Spray it first with a good penetrating oil.

 

[MikeT]

Both of mine flop around, any way to tighten them up?

 

[cas3]

Replace the spring in the latch

 

[MikeT]

Do you know of a site that I can look at for replacement?

 

[50fordcoupeman]

Do you know of a site that I can look at for replacement?

Do google search. I have seen several vendors that sell the spring replacement kits.

 

[JayChicago]

And do a search of this forum to get some how-to advise. Requires some heating and gentle bending of the lock mechanism to get the spring out.

 

[cas3]

Maybe Fred has new ones? Google south side obsolete.