Ok, this is different, put the tool between the trim ring and the handle? I have been putting it between the ring and the panel... I'll go try that...Thanks!
Yes, it is between the handle and the little chrome dome escutcheon, not between the escutcheon and the panel. I just went through this on my dad's '52 Buick. The clips are pretty small and they'll come sailing out when you put the clip remover in there so be ready. Slide the clip remover in so the tool is behind the long part of the handle. It will work. Those escutcheons are actually there to keep you from tearing up the door panel when you use the tool to take the handles off. When people refer to the plastic gasket thing, that won't apply to the Buick because the Buick has the metal part there. Make sense?
Makes sense to me. I just want to show these pics to make sure I'm on the right path... Here's what I'm dealing with This is where I was putting it
Someone mention Plymouth handles? They use a straight pin right thru the center of the shaft. Prise back the escutcheon and press out with a small drift.
That was the problem, you just have to have the tool in the right spot and you'll be fine. Sometimes it helps to push the door panel in a bit to give yourself a little space for the tool, the pressure you feel is a spring behind the door panel that keeps the door panel tight against the handle. The spring is not part of the clip that holds the handle on.
...finally got the pic to upload... the arrow pionts to where the clip should be, like those guys mentioned between the trim ring and handle..
I win! It took me about 2 hours to get all 3 off of one side. The tool did not work. The little flanges on the clip didn't stick out far enough for the tool to hit and push out. I ended up prying the ring back with a screwdriver and then using one of those little tiny flatheads you use to tighten up your sunglasses. Once I found the end of the clip, I set the little flathead on the end and nudged it with a hammer until it started to ease off the end. It took forever trying to manipulate 2 screwdrivers and a hammer while I pushed on the door panel with my feet. Whay aren't there any other HAMBr's in my neighborhood??? Thanks to all who offered their help, and sent pictures...pictures are good! I guess thats why I teach graphic design and not math!
while your handles are off, make/modify/find the right tool, so you won't have to go through this again,next time you have to get behind the door panel.
The Jalopy Journal
