I got it guys. Man it was so easy, after I thought about it. Duh !!!

1- I disconnected the lock and inner handle linkages.
2- I removed the door latch assembly from the door (three screws facing the back of the car)
3- I removed the two 1/4-20 nuts holding the flapper

After those 3 steps the flapper linkage almost fell out on its own if not for the rod keeper. Reassembly was just as easy. You can pull the linkage way up through the flapper hole and attach it and install the keeper. Just as easy as saying it, it's done. Drop the flapper in install the latch, go back install the gasket, install and tighten the two 1/4-20 nuts and hook up the linkage. The hardest part turned out to be reinstalling the arm rest. I wound up epoxying 1/4-20 nuts behind the shallow threaded points and now it's solid. There's nothing can take the place of experience. And no better feeling than doing it yourself and re-engineering a good thing and making it better.

While I had it all apart I sanded off, primmed and painted away what little surface rust that was there. I also took the lower metal inner door panel access cover off, removed the door latch assembly through the opening and cleaned and lubricated it before putting it back in.

An additional problem I was having was the flapper spring rod had worked its way out about 1/8in locking the door body edge between the spring rod tip and the flapper flange.

I also got the ignition key barrel switch changed out. Not too bad of a job and the change corrected the malfunction with both the key release and wheel locking devices.

Thanks for all the help! Next I'm gonna start researching the front & rear suspension.