Ok guys, I need a little bit of help. And yes, I have used the search function and was not able to figure out my dilema. I did learn in the searches to get the tool that removes the spring clip. Drivers side had the spring clips in place, passenger side does not. I removed the drivers side clips but the dang handles have not budged. Has anyone else had this problem? Im not even kidding, the clips are gone but the handles have not moved one iota! I cant get them to budge one bit. It is almost like they were glued in place. Not one of the four will move! I started out pretty careful with a pry bar and screw driver then a 5n1, then moved on to a mallet then pulled out a BFH and still did not really get anywhere. I'm replacing all the handles so I'm not really concerned about them but I dont want to booger up the door itself or the shafts...

 

Those handles can be a pain. FYI, you can replace the handles with 56 handles. In 56 they went with a set screw and did away with the clips. So much easier if you need to take the handles on and off during a resto build. Back to your situation....

Find a body slide hammer and an attachment that will slide over the handle. Slide away. You probably have corrosion, etc. that has bond the two together. That's what I use and it has worked. Otherwise you can mess up the shafts and cause more headaches. Good luck.

 

You may wish to lovingly apply some judicious use of heat if the slide hammer doesn't work after a few tries. Expansion may help to break any corrosion.

 

OK, thanks for the advice, I had not thought of heat, I dont have a slide hammer but I am pretty sure I have a friend who does. Thanks much!

 

I had the same experience on my '53. One handle came off much easier than the others. I was convinced they didn't have the same clip as the one that came off. As it turned out, they did, but the ends were so short I couldn't see them or get the tool to catch the ends and push them out. After spending too many hours on them I managed to get the clips out by using two very small screw drivers and pushing from both sides of where the ends of the clips were supposed to be. Turned out they were there and the came out like they should. It would have made more sense to cut them off with my die grinder and buy new ones, but I'm more stubborn than sensible. Good Luck.

Grant

 

I too would suggest you go 56 handles. I did mine a few weeks back and since I'm in the midst of doing the door panels I've had them on and off a few times already - so much easier now.

Once you do get them off, be sure to give the splines a good wire brushing with some aerokroil or similar. Things will be much easier if you ever need back in there.

 

emay - That sounds like good advice...I will definitely be going back with the 56 handles then. A set screw does sound much easier to deal with.

Tonner - I will have to chcek again on the pasenger side and see if they are infact in there but not visible. However, I know for a fact I got them off the drivers side and those will not budge any more than the passenger. It is quite frustrating. I have done other things on the truck that require patience but I think these frustrate me sooo much because it SHOULD be simple.

 

Update...I took advice from a few on this post, I purchased a slide hammer AND "judiciously" applied some heat. Melted the crap out of the rubbers but I got the handles off. Thanks so much for the advice guys! Moving onward!