ok, 1992 e350 15 passenger van. Just bought it, awesome condition inside....now i know why...you can't get in the back door or the side doors (front two doors are ok, but for how long). I pulled the interior panels and saw that the cables seem to have a rubber clip system attached to the cable before the handle, putting pressure and resistance against the handle and the cable....well, it looks like that's was there before it disolved. Are those clips available or is it part of the cable...what about redneckin' it? Help!

 

If I get your description right in my mind the rubber pieces surround the cable where it enters the handle assy itself? If so those are part of the cable assembly complete, not replaceable separately that I've ever seen.

I've changed several handle or latch assemblies in two of my E250's and so far those cables are sold with the latch itself. Exterior handles are replaceable separately but not the cables.

I'd suggest NAPA or one of those low price outfits like Autozone or whatever---they might have service parts for those by now. Honestly though if they're disintegrating now most likely the other door components can't be far behind in needing some attention. Since I'm in auto glass this isn't a tough process for me---you got the trim panels off and diagnosed the problem---a good accomplishment if you don't do that regularly!

 

well, I've got the side doors working by getting some adjustable barrel stops for bike brake cables/ off some old motorcycles out back too! Not the easiest thing to retro fit but seems to be good so far. Now, the back doors!

 

This is a cheap and easy fix... once you get the cables out of the door that is