VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 54 Chev outside door handle

Can I remove, then reinstall ,the entire latch assembly from inside the door without removing the outside handle? I ask this because I don't know how to remove that handle. Access to the latch assembly is simple, even for someone like me.

It is not necessary to remove the outside handle to remove the lock (latch).....But to remove the handle just peel back the door weather strip in line with the handle. You will find a sliding reatiner hiding back there. The retainer will pull out about an inch or so to free the handle.
The instructions for replacing the lock are in the shop manual. I can send you the instructions from the shop manual if necessary.
Would need your email address.

Gene-In order to install s/s door handle guards do you have to remove inside door panels at all on my 54.

hoppy

I tried sliding out the retainer that holds the door handle to the door and it won`t budge. Tried prying it back with a screwdriver, it`s stuck pretty good. I soaked it with PB Blaster and will let it sit till tomorrow, maybe that will work.

hoppy

I would first try tapping it "in" to break it loose, the pulling or tapping out.

Don,
Gene is right, sometimes you have to slowly tap it to break it loose, as they tend to be very tight. These retainers also can rust out making them weak and causing the metal to break or split at one end which means it won't hold the handle to the door properly. One of mine was like that and I had to get another one. I cleaned and repainted the retainers before re-installing them but maybe that's a bit overboard. The soaking with WD40 should loosen it. I had the most trouble getting the stainless guard into the correct position on my 53 doors mainly because I had to be very careful not to scratch a newly painted car. I found that putting a very thin felt underneath the stainless guard stopped any scratching. Once it was locked into position I just tore it off around the guard, and you can't tell it was there. Tony

Tony,

Do you expect the felt will retain moisture?

Bob

Gday Bob,

The felt I used was paper thin, almost like a tissue but stronger and used it mainly to stop the guards from scratching the paint as it tends to move a little to the left or right when you are trying to position it before tapping the retainer in place. What I remember when I did it was that once I started tapping to lock the retainer in place, I was able to pull the felt completely out from under the guard as there is a millimetre or so gap underneath.The felt just pulled out/ tore off, so it didn't really remain under the shield to trap moisture, rain etc.Although a tiny piece may have at the pointed end of the shield, I didn't worry too much about that. The moisture issue is a good point. Tony

Tony,

Thanks for the reply. Hope all is well down under!

Bob :vcca:

No worries Bob,

Things are ok down here. We have a couple more months of Winter, although it doesn't get that cold here anyway. Haven't had much time to work on my 53 lately. Hope you are enjoying the US Summer. Regards, Tony

Gene--I finally was able to slide out the retainer to remove door handle. I replaced the handle, now the push button doesn`t work.

hoppy

Gene--Never mind!!! Eureeka!! Got it figured out. removed all outside door handles and installed s/s door guards and replaced the handles. Also got the dash lights working by using your suggestion of running dash light wire to tailight connection. Ok, NEXT question: Will I be able to remove dash cluster to the inside of car? I need to replace the face plate for my gauges.??????

hoppy

Its easier to remover the cluster (at least some of it) by removing the firewall access door. Order a new rubber seal for the dooor as the old one probably will break-up.