VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 1931 Coach Interior Trim

I have a 1931 Coach and need to remove interior door and window handles to get inside door. How do I remove these handles, do I need special tool? Also once I get handles off how is interior door panel attached to door frame and what is recommendation for removal.

Thanks

Handles are secured to splined shafts using a standard spring steel "C Clip", which normally requires a special tool, but can be removed with a couple of carefully inserteed pointy tools. They pop off when tools get right spot, so careful not to lose the clips, which are sold through several suppliers. Original panels were nailed in place using a blind nailing technique, i.e. the common head nails were nailed through the fabric of completed panel until almost fully seated, and then fabric stretched/pulled over nail head to hide nail. A final tap to fully seat the nail might be needed after nail is hidden.

I have removed the "C" clips from the door handles using either a small, thin, flat-bladed screwdriver or an ice pick. I have had great success with both.

The hardest part is finding the clip after it flies across the garage!
Sid

In order to see this clip just push the escrutcheon plate into the fabric and you will see the clip in a slot in the shaft of the crank.