Replacement Drivers Side Door Handle (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.

 

[crusin93]

In the past I have been able to "snip" the mushroomed portioned of the rivet off from the inside of the door. This due to not having access an air powered die grinder, which is what I normally use to grind down the rivet from outside. I Think I used a pair of 11'' offset snips to make the cut. It worked okay but, if your trying this on factory rivets they are much tougher.

 

[janesvillite]

i hadn't thought of that before. seems so simple, and it worked just fine. thanks