Interior Work on the 54

[54FordYBlockGuy]

Pulled out the seats; they will (at this point) simply be "Sprayed" just to get color back on the cloth portion which is badly stained and worn, vinyl portion is still in good shape; I'll post some pics.

So I'm looking at these "Door Panels", which were re-covered and the cloth also is badly worn and stained; I started to look for some "Door Panel" boards; but upholstery shops want too much, on line too much; so I went to my local "Surplus Supply Store"; love that place it has everything and changes all the time.

Found some plastic panels that I think just may work for the door panels; and some really cool nugahide type covering; here I go, let see how she turns out.

First problem: I've taken off hundreds of Door Handles (interior); know about the clips and have that tool that is supposed to simply "pop" the clip. Well, after about an hour, no "popping the clip".

Any secrets anybody knows, "How To" pop those clips?

Anyway, got both handles off, and noticed that tool I have just isn't made to pop these clips, too wide.

Let me attempt to load some pics to show the progress and what I am thinking; comments, suggestions welcomed.

HEY? When I attempt to insert pics, it ask for a

 

[54FordYBlockGuy]

Let me finish: When I attempt to insert a pic, it asked for the URL ? I didn't have to do that when I inserted pics on my album; any suggestions as to inserting pics?

 

[paul2748]

New or Reply posting picture - pic on computer - Windows

Go down to "Manage Attachments", Click on it
"Browse' Window comes up
Click on first "Browse"
On your computer, go to picture you want to load/post
Click on the picture then click on openj
You will see the picture title after "browse"
Add additional pictures the same way
When done, click on "Upload"
Title of pic will show in Current Attachments and in the "Manage Attachments" in the reply section
Click on X at top of Browse window - this closes it
Click on "Submit Reply" ( or submit post if not a reply)

You are done


Clicking on the paper clip does the same thing as hitting "Manage Attachments - brings up the "Browse" window


It's easier than it seems above - got to get used to it.


If you have an Apple product, it may be different

 

[54FordYBlockGuy]

Where do I find "Manage Attachments" ?

 

[paul2748]

Below the area that you write a message in

Where do I find "Manage Attachments" ?

 

[54FordYBlockGuy]

OK, let's see if this works. Attached are some pics of the seats removed, floor cleaned up, and then a good coat of POR 15.

 

[54FordYBlockGuy]

Great, it worked. I had to click "Go Advanced" before I seen the Manager your Message; thanks Paul

 

[54FordYBlockGuy]

So, here's where I am at with the interior work.

FLOOR: Prepped, ready for some Jute and Carpeting
SEATS: Removed, going to just spray the stained cloth area, vinyl is good, so for now just getting them to look "OK", pics will be coming
DOOR PANELS: Removing the old, building some new ones, gong to attempt to cover them myself.

Here's where I am running into a little difficulty. Now; I've removed dozens of interior handles; I know about the small "clip" that needs pushed out and then the handle just pops out - BUT - These are giving me a real problem. The tool that they sale just isn't working; any "Tips".

I'll attempt to upload some pics which will show:
Panels removed
Plastic Sheets going to use for door panel.

 

[54FordYBlockGuy]

Going to attempt to save and re-attached the chrome strip that comes with the original door panel.

I'm going to show some pics; may help someone who is considering taking them off.

They are held on with some pretty solid, sturdy "nail type" holders.

 

[fordor41]

the clip usually goes onto the door handle from the end of the handle away from the knob so to remove the clip, insert the tool under the handle and push toward the shaft. the clip removal tool I've used has an angled section on each side that will spread the legs of the clip and then it flies out and you can hunt for it! To assemble, I install the clip back on the handle and just push it onto the shaft and it will snap i place

 

[58Yeoman]

And, if your handles have a large plastic washer between the handle and panel, get the tool in between the handle and washer.

 

[54FordYBlockGuy]

I got the driver's side door off and took a good look at the handles; both the door and window handles.

I'm well aware of where that clip goes, and which side but the tool I have; it's your typical "clip removal" tool that you get at the local parts store or Harbor Freight; well it doesn't go over, or should I say meet the "clip portion" of the handles.

I had to use a set of small, picks; it took me more time to get those handles off than the panel fab is going to take.

Now, when I got to the passenger side; well again, difficult to find the "clip"; they are extremely close to the handle, with the existing door panel in place, well just not a lot of "working room"; door opening handle came off, but this window crank on this side has the "tension spring"; and that is making it that much more difficult.

I guess what I am saying, or looking for is:

"I've taken off many handles; used this tool I have on others, it worked fine, but on this Ford (54) just doesn't seem to work; I was just seeing if anybody has a "better tool", or a "trick" they used in getting these handles off, sounds like it is what it is and you just have to work at it, and maybe get "lucky" on a couple".

You know you watch these "YouTube" guys and they show you the removal with everything out of the say, no panel, all the work you need; I'd like to see them take my handles off with these existing panels on, no room to work...oh well just "venting" a little.

I'll let the group know how they come out.

Thanks

JPL/OHIO

 

[Dobie Gillis]

"I've taken off many handles; used this tool I have on others, it worked fine, but on this Ford (54) just doesn't seem to work; I was just seeing if anybody has a "better tool", or a "trick" they used in getting these handles off, sounds like it is what it is and you just have to work at it, and maybe get "lucky" on a couple".


I have 2 different versions of a clip removal tool. Neither of them work on my '55 Merc. Like you, I use a pick to get the damn thing out.

 

[54FordYBlockGuy]

Well; although I hate to see someone having similar problems, I must admit: I'm glad I'm not the "only one" experiencing some difficulties.

Just got back from Harbor Freight, and bought a 4 Pack of tools, all different shapes and sizes supposedly design for interior work, let's see how it goes; if they work I show some pics.

Take care;

JPL/OHIO

 

[Daves55Sedan]

Okay so there is the clip removal tool; I have two different types, but I like the plier type. I will try to shoot a picture of it and attach to this forum on Sunday.
Make sure you insert the tool in between the door handle (window crank) and the thin metal washer which rests against the door panel. That should put you right where the clip is. I have always pushed hard against the door panel as close as possible to the handle to "crush" the spring behind the door panel. Doing this takes a lot of pressure off the tool and allows easier clip removal.
Again, the plier type tool (pic coming soon) is the best and most effective tool I've ever used for interior door handle removal. Be careful not to loose your c-clip (it might pop out of the plier tool and land a dozen feet away from you).

 

[rjlester]

Looking forward to the picture of this tool, I've struggled so much with these clips the last couple of years.

 

[54FordYBlockGuy]

I also am going to insert some great pics showing this tool I picked up at Harbor Freight which works "FANTASTIC", couldn't believe how it worked.

I going to show the tool and show how it works, where it goes, and inserts in the handle clip area.

The tool came is a set, an un-expensive set, I think it cost me $6.00.

Pics will be on the next post.

Should save a lot of others the trouble.

JPL/OHIO

 

[rjlester]

Is this the kit?

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-windshield-door-trim-tool-set-38386.html

 

[Daves55Sedan]

Oops, looks like the SD card in my camera is incompatible with the camera. It may be a piece of junk now since 8GB card are no longer available. So I couldn't take a pic of my plier type clip removal tool.
I wouldn't give you a penny for that Harbor Freight 4-pc tool set. I have one of those removers (at far right hand side in the pic on Harbor Freight site). It is pretty worthless.

 

[54FordYBlockGuy]

Ok, here's the "Update" on my interior progress on the 54.

Last post we were talking about the difficulty some may have when attempting to "pop" that clip that holds on both the window and interior door handle.

I'm going to attach some pics, but let me give some explanation.

Went to the local Harbor Freight; I know the tools may not be "top quality", but they are inexpensive and great for a "one-time" project; so I'm looking for a good "interior" kit; nothing too expensive.

The pics are going to show the package I bought which came with several tools; all for under $7.00.

I'll show the handles, the clips, and then the "Best Tool" and how it worked.

BEST TOOL: It's the one that looks like an arrowhead.

WHY?

The arrow finds the "slot" in the handle where that "clip" goes, and then the arrow side point slides right it, "Pops" the clip, and out comes the clip.

Was very easy

Just watch where the clips go.

Ok, pics show everything, should tell the story.

Enjoy:

JPL/OHIO