Door/Window Crank Handles

[Joe Flanagan]

I'm now installing the handles for the door latches and window cranks on my car. All has gone well until I got to the front passenger door. It seems like I can't push the interior panel in far enough to get the pin into the hole in the square stud coming out of the door. Looks like no amount of force is going to get me enough space. Almost, but not quite. Has anyone ever just drilled a second hole in order to make it work?

[Young Ed]

I'm now installing the handles for the door latches and window cranks on my car. All has gone well until I got to the front passenger door. It seems like I can't push the interior panel in far enough to get the pin into the hole in the square stud coming out of the door. Looks like no amount of force is going to get me enough space. Almost, but not quite. Has anyone ever just drilled a second hole in order to make it work?

 

Nope just gotta push harder Are you doing this with the door closed? I think I have heard of someone snipping one loop off the spring.

[Plymouthy Adams]

Joe..be sure the spring behind the panel is placed so that the large end the spring is against the panel and the small end against the metal of the door...there should be no need to drill another hole...drilling another hold could well weaken the material...remember you changed material of the door panel...this may require a bit extra umph on your part...

Edited December 27, 2013 by Plymouthy Adams

[Joe Flanagan]

OK, thanks, guys. I do have the springs in properly. I was working alone but I think this is probably a job where I could use an extra set of hands. Time to get the neighbor.

[TodFitch]

OK, thanks, guys. I do have the springs in properly. I was working alone but I think this is probably a job where I could use an extra set of hands. Time to get the neighbor.

I got a large wooden clamp used in furniture making. With the window down for the clamp to go through and get near the handle and a pad to protect the paint on the outside of the door was able to press the door panel down enough to fit the pin. Don't know if the handle is close enough to the window or a door edge for that to work for you but you might check.

[Jerry Roberts]

.... Has anyone ever just drilled a second hole in order to make it work? ...

 Yes , not me , but a prior owner . He turned the square shaft a quarter turn and drilled another hole . Of course by now you know that it should be a last resort .  It doesn't seem to have weakened it too much . 

[Joe Flanagan]

Tod, I had thought of using a clamp as well. I might resort to that if it comes to it. 

[pflaming]

Can you use an 'exacto' knife and remove some material from the back side? As long as the outside layer is not compromised, what remains will be between the handle and the door frame. Sorta like "letting the air out of the tires so the truck can go under the bridge" story. 

[jcmiller]

Don't push so hard that you lose control of the door and fling it open into your engine stand ....

[Young Ed]

Don't push so hard that you lose control of the door and fling it open into your engine stand ....

 

Exactly why I asked if the door was closed. Seems like a no brainer but I know I've tried it with the door open too and it works much better closed!

[Niel Hoback]

  The clamp thing sounds a little scary to me. I see a dent in the door skin happening.

[Dodgeb4ya]

Don't use a clamp. Why cave the door skin in? Open the door against a  wall or something that won't move. That way you can use your body weight to help push that handle and eschutcheon on easier. Sitting in the car with the door closed cramps what you are trying to do. Sometimes on the really tough ones I do a test run with an awl to make sure I can get the pin in 2nd try.

[LAKOTA169]

I'm going with power windows on my '37.

 

 

[Dodgeb4ya]

Well now that were talkin power window ideas... Red Green has a good one too..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uG6grzdUf8

[Jerry Roberts]

I don't like the idea of a " clamp thing " either . This would mean that every time you wanted to get at the insides of the door , you would need to get out your " clamp thing " , and put it on your eventual new  paint surface .