interior handle removal

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Mar 9, 2008 | 07:04 PM

rdemilt

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From: south Fl.

interior handle removal

Is there a way to remove the interior handles on a 55 f 100 without the removal tool ??? My truck has the ABS upholstered door panels that Mid Fiftys sells but due to the panel thickness behind the handle and crank I cant push it back enough to see where the clip even is.

hope thats not too confusing
Rick

Mar 9, 2008 | 07:45 PM

abe

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From: Central PA

I've used a screw driver and a needle nose pliers, but I do not have upolstered panels...

Mar 9, 2008 | 07:51 PM

Truxx1956

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From: I live in Leitchfield, KY

Hey man, do you have the '55 handles or the '56? The '55's had the clips and the '56's had set screws. That being said, if you dont have the clip removal tool, you can use a pick that you use for takin out O-rings. Do you not have the clip removal tool? When you do get the handle off, you need to NOT replace the handle spline part with the longer ones. I've bought them and they're way too long. What you do need to do is: take the door panel off, with a Rotozip or something similar cut the hole around the handle big enough that ONLY the material is over the raised part of the door so you have more room.

I hope you understand this, but if not I'll try to send some pics. I'm currently makin a set of door panels for a '56 right now. A pic is worth a thousand words and I'm tired of typing!!

Hope this helps!

Mar 9, 2008 | 08:15 PM

jaye

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From: S.C.

I used a very small screw driver to push the pins out of the slots it took quite a while however, it worked I've done it several times.

Mar 9, 2008 | 08:18 PM

rdemilt

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From: south Fl.

Hey truxx1956, thats a great Idea using a rotozip to cut out the ABS plastic from the back. The PO installed the panel then both the rubber and stainless trim ring, thats why I have no working room. I figure i'll pull the clips with a dental pick and needle nose pliers. Do the wire clips get installed on the handle/ crank prior to installing them on the shafts ??? if not that must have been a job to get them on. Oh, I have the 55 style.

Thanks again,

Rick

Mar 10, 2008 | 08:24 AM

Truxx1956

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From: I live in Leitchfield, KY

Yes the clips do go on first. Like I said, I'll try to get you some pics of a door panel in progress to give you an idea of how big the hole needs to be. This guy is also running the "hubcap" around the handle.

Later

Mar 10, 2008 | 10:57 AM

bobbytnm

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From: Rio Rancho, NM

Rick,
I typically just use a curved hook style pick. Slip it behind, hook the clip, give it a pull, and then work the handle off of the splines.
Once the handle is off you can put the clip back into its place on the handle.

Bobby

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Mar 12, 2008 | 08:58 PM

rdemilt

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Joined: May 2007

Posts: 766

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From: south Fl.

thanks Truxx- Yesterday I pushed back on the door panel, enough to see the clips, I think ? I have a few projects before this one starts but your idea to cut out the panel backside got things rolling. I plan on taking the truck to the Billet Proof show next weekend in ocala Fl. then fixing the worn hinges and cracked glass. I'll keep you posted as I go.

Thanks man,
Rick