Good Evening, new guy here...looking for advise on how to replace ( and get access to) the door locks and handles. Seems to be a guard of some type over the mechanism. Any help would be appreciated.

Hi Mike, welcome aboard!

If you don't have an AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual) I'd suggest getting one. Lots of good stuff in there. I personally haven't dug into my doors yet, but I know several others here have taken on that task. Try doing a search for threads that have "door handle" or some variation of keywords and something, or someone, should pop up. Keep us updated on your project.

Mike, I'm totally replacing my door...I'll let you know what it takes to swap out the handles(i'm DEFINATLY in over my head =) but taking pictures, so hopefully I can help someone!

Scot

Are you talking about the inside handle? On my 77 there is a little C shaped clip that is on the knob I turn to lock the door. I used a screwdriver to pop it off, then the locking knob was able to come off, as well as the door panel. Then the handle can be taken off with a screw. Getting the clip back on was a little tougher, but I did it. A couple times too. I've seen a special tool in Corvette supplier magazines used to remove the clip, but I made out fine with a screwdriver.

Thanks, I do have a manual and am looking at it now-I'll let you know how I make out.-Mike

Mike if you are trying to get the outside door handle off pull the door panel off following the instructions in the manual. Then take the three bolts off that hold the door latch on. Drop the door latch down and that gives you room to get the bolts off and the clip on the operating rod. Chuck

There is a plastic antitheft guard over the lock. 2 small screws hold it on. Remove them, then the guard can be dropped down. Remove the 3 screws holding the latch assembly to the door and it will drop down out of the way also. Then you can remove the lock clip and the nuts holding the door handle on. This assumes you have the door panal off and the sheet metal access panel on the bottom of the door.

Appreciate the reply, I'll let you know how I make out-Mike

The comments above pretty well sum up the job. This is a very easy job but I would suggest that you go slowly and note how everything comes apart. Take digital photos if you can but as a minimum note how things go together.

Once the interior panel is off, it is really nothing more than undoing a handful of clips for the linkage and several screws for the door latching mechanism. The C clip that holds the exterior lock on can be a bear if it has never been moved.
Gary