Handle removal

On the clips that you are asking about, if you have a sample, you can mail one to Restoration Specialties in Windber, PA and they will match it up with their stock. Or, if you can post a picture of what you're specifically looking for, we might be able to help.

The removal of the door handle requires a special tool to make it relatively easy, but one homemade trick is to take a butterknife and bend the end up by about 1/4" and use it to push against the retaining clip...

Picture # shows the correct tool. Some people think these things are laying around everywhere, but I've never seen one at any of the swap meets I go to. I bought mine on ebay. I've seen 'em go from $50 to nearly $300.

#2 shows the square clip in the door handle that you need to push against
#3 shows how the tools pushes the clip over so that it moves out of the groove on the shaft of the door mechanism

#4 shows the butterknife with a small bend in it,
#5 shows the knife pushing against the clip to release it.

I'd bet others have even better ways of getting it done, but that was how I did it before I came across the correct tool.

Tim: Your reply to the often asked question regarding the removal of the handles is one of the best I have ever seen. A few words, some great pictures and a solution, what more do we need?

Rick: Perhaps we should set up a FAQ heading and put this question/answer in it?

Likewise on the proper way to drive a Fluid-Drive DeSoto

Thanks, Bob! I think your suggestion of a FAQ's "sticky" topic is an excellent one.

I have just gone through making new door panels for my 1956. I got a few clips from REstoration Specialites and they were $0.85 each. I found some on ebay.
Here is a link to a package of 20

http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-NOS-inside-d ... es&vxp=mtr

I found them under 1956 DeSoto Parts and Accessories.

I bought a package of 100 for $35. The larger package is also on ebay.

You can look at Restoration Specialties online and find the "door panel" clips and they indicate the ones for Chrysler products. These are the same as the ebay ones.

Handle removal is a pain regardless. It is hard to determine which side the clip is on in order to "trigger" it.

I always have to think it through each time too, but I think you go in from the 9 o'clock position with either the door or window handle facing down from the perspective of the handle being on the car. If I ever memorize that, it'd help!

Hey Tim, there are a couple of pretty good pictures of how I removed the handle on the Photos I sent you. I even have one of the tool UNDER the handle while it is still on the car. Pictures #118 thru 121. The tool I have is slightly different too. Actually that tool is a tool from the 50's because it was my dads. I tried to upload to this page... but it wasn't accepting it. Taking FOREVER and nothing was happening. Maybe you'll have better luck.

Jim

Jim's pictures...

I give up... I have no idea what I was doing wrong. Thanks for posting them. I just wanted to show that there is more than one type of tool, and also how the tool went behind the handle to remove it.

OH... and these were taken on my 56.

You get the idea...

Jim

Most of the time when I try to post a picture, I have to do the following;

make sure it's 640X480

When I click "add the file", I get a never ending status bar, and the screen changes to something forgettable.. After I count to about 20, I close the status bar window, click the "back" arrow on my browser, and then press "submit" . Usually, the pictures is there. When I do multiple images, I have to then press "edit" on my message, and go through the whole thing again. And again, for the 3rd picture. And again, for the 4th......

I'm usually in Firefox, but it does the same thing when I'm in Explorer. I've only recently submitted photos "the normal" way maybe once or twice. Usually I have to go through these hoops to get it done.

I haven't heard anybody else mentioning difficulties, so I haven't said anything. Figured it's something on my end.

Thanks Tim, I will try that "method" next time. I had that same never ending status bar too.

Jim