Door Handle Replacement (2003)

[janesvillite]

The first of many issues with the work truck that i was assigned to fix and use to get me around the farm: a broken outside door handle. Since these are flimsy plastic pieces, I went ahead and bought two metal door handles to replace them.

I was able to figure out how to get the inside door skin panel off, but am stuck as to how to remove the existing handle. I read earlier today a post from another website that a guy had to drill out the rivets, but I was wondering if there was another easier (and less accident prone) way to remove the handle.

I can figure out how to get the replacement back on with bolts, that's the easy part. I just don't want to wreck the door if I don't have to.

 

[srteach]

If you have a thin enough punch, you can punch the center out of the rivets. Then pry the remaining part out.
You can also use a chisel to cut the outer head off the rivet.

 

[hondaxr650]

Driving the center pin out of the rivet and drilling them with a 1/4" drill bit is by far the easiest way. Lift the handle all the way up and drill them from the outside. It'll take all of 1 minute per handle to get them out.

 

[fordranger2002]

assistance needed

The first of many issues with the work truck that i was assigned to fix and use to get me around the farm: a broken outside door handle. Since these are flimsy plastic pieces, I went ahead and bought two metal door handles to replace them.

I was able to figure out how to get the inside door skin panel off, but am stuck as to how to remove the existing handle. I read earlier today a post from another website that a guy had to drill out the rivets, but I was wondering if there was another easier (and less accident prone) way to remove the handle.

I can figure out how to get the replacement back on with bolts, that's the easy part. I just don't want to wreck the door if I don't have to.

I would like to know where you found these metal door handles to accommodate the shitty plastic handles ford rangers has put on there trucks. i have replaced mine multiple times now and cannot find metal ones to replace them with . if you could help me out with this it would be greatly appreciated. I own a 2002 ford ranger 4x4 xlt extend cab.