Do they attach to the metal part of the door behind the door panel? Not sure of their purpose either. I can only find 4 sets. So do they go behind the front window and door handles or just behind each window handle. I have a 2-door sedan so 4 window handles and 2 door handles. Do I need 2 more sets? Headliner and windlace are in, door panels this week, seats next week then carpet. Getting close!
Not sure if they go behind the door or window handle but I don't have any on my 56 so I don't think you need them.
They go behind both the door handles and the window cranks of the doors and the interior quarter panels. I have some extras that you can have for the cost of the postage if you can't find the rest of yours. The purpose of the spring is to keep the panel flush against the handle and the "washer" protects the vinyl from wearing out from repeated motion of the handles.
Alan has it down. Also, that spring tension keeps your handle tight to the stud. The small, retainer clip only keeps the handle from coming off the stud. If you didn't have a spring to essentially push the handle away from the door panel, the handle would be a little bit loose on the stud and rattle a bit (don't ask me how I know)
Ok, not sure if I have this right or not but I'm sure you guys will fill me in! The small end of the spring goes on the shaft and the big end rests on the retainer. Next, the door panel goes on and then the handle. So my thinking is the spring pushes the door panel out against the handle, right?
I think the door panel is installed first, than the washer and than the spring followed by the handle.
That's how I always did it. although it is possible to fasten the bottom part of the panel to the door and then put on the spring and retainer by pulling back the top part. .
John....roll the windows all the way up without installing the clip in the handles so you can then easily remove the handles. Put the spring on the splined shaft small side facing the metal door as you have it. Then install the door upholstery panel over the spring. . Install the clips in the handles. The metal "washers" go on the OUTSIDE of the upholstery panel just under the handle with the with the two serrations facing the upholstery as those serrations keep the washer from turning with the handles. Decide what position you want the window cranks to be at ( I place them facing forward at a 4:00 position with the windows rolled up). Pop the handle/crank on the splined shaft all the way in the desired position and the clip will lock it in place. On the inside door opening handles the opening should be facing FORWARD with the handle level or slightly downward. I often see these cars where owners have installed the door opening handles backward with the opening toward the rear but this is incorrect. PM me if this does not make sense.
Door handles with opening forward is the only way that makes sense safety wise. No chance of your elbow opening the door. Also helps when you shave the handles and need to open the door through the vent windows.
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