I think my driver's side outside door handle is shot. The chrome cover will not spring back up into the proper position. I have ordered the parts from Ecklers. Any hidden problems that I should expect? Any tricks to make this less painful? My Chilton's manual is useless for this operation, lousy illustrations and no text at all.
Thanks,
Scott

Find a friend with VERY small hands!
It takes a lot of patience to remove/replace the outer door handles on a Shark. There is a plastic "guard" over the lock mechanism that has to be moved out of the way, first. The two nuts(7/16ths) that secure the handle to the door are really hard to get a wrench on, but not impossible. Then you have to manuver the assembly out of the door, after unhooking the linkage for the latch, hopefully without gouging the h!!l out of the paint!
It just takes time, patience, and maybe some help from your good buddy wiser, or his partner, jimmy beam!!

Thanks Joel! I sort of figured it would be a surgical procedure!
Scott

Scott - here's an article from Corvette Fever that may help. I have one to replace myself - will be interested in how it goes.

http://corvettefever.com/howto/4696/

good luck

 

Wiilis76,
Thanks for the link! I will let you know how it goes
Scott

I think the job is easiest if you remove the door latch mechanism first, otherwise it's very difficult (but not impossible) to reach the handle retaining nuts. You might accidently clean and lubricate the mechanism while it's out too?

The new door handle is in. I didn't have that much of a problem getting the nuts off once the water/dust shield was out of the way. A trick that I learned was before removing the screws to the shield put the window up so that you can move the shield to the bottom of the door to get it out out the way. Make sure to either photograph or take note of the linkages and the various types of clips that hold them in place. I didn't have any problem removing the two nuts that hold the handle in place. Just get about a six inch box and open end 7/16 wrench. That tool worked well for me.

The most difficult part for me was reconnecting the linkage from the handle to the lock mechanism. The link end and clip were very difficult to re-attach even with the locking  mechanism unscrewed and hanging free. I can't over emphasize how confined the working space is. Once the linkage was hooked up the remainder of the re-assembly was fairly straight forward. Everything is now working as designed. If I can give anyone any pointers, just give me a shout. I appreciate all of you and your advice and help. I hope to return the favor.
Thanks,
Scott

Adams' Apple38709.9143287037

I did mine last summer. If you take the door latch out it's pretty easy to get to.
There are 3 screws in the door jam and it comes right out. If I can do it......anyone can.

 I have a drooping handle also. It still works, just droops. Has anyone tried the door spring that just slips under the handle to hold it up? I've seen them in Mid America's catalog