[ninmmkmfdm]

im pretty new at this but i need to know how to remove the door panels off of my truck, but i dont want to damage it, the problem i was having was the interior door handle.. how do i remove it???

[matt167]

with a door handle remover ( $5-10 ).. push the door panel in, and push the remover into the shaft that is behind there.. it is supposto release the clip enough to allow you to pull off the handle, but I never have that luck.. I usually give it a little tap and a twist and it'll release the clip fully

[ninmmkmfdm]

oh ok cool... thanks.. so could i also jst use a flathead screw driver?? i dnt mind paying the lil bit of money but if i could save it i will...what do you think???

[matt167]

the clip needs to be released from both sides, so it would be very hard to use a screwdriver.. you will find the tool in the Help section of most any auto parts store, for about $5.. Harbor freight sells them for a dollar or 2, or you can get the entire 'kit' from them for like $10, which will have windshield and trim tools also

[DanTwoLakes]

There are all kinds of tools to remove these GM "Jesus" clips, here are just some of them. The best one and easiest to use is the Lisle 35200. The black one second from the top has a place on the raised end to push the clip back into the door handle, but you can do it easily with your thumb nail. You push the clip back into the door handle and then just push it back on the post and the clip will seat.

[302 Z28]

Short of buying the tool we used to remove them at the wrecking yards by just pulling a shop rag between the handle and the door panel, pops em right off.

Vince

[matt167]

Originally Posted by 302 Z28

Short of buying the tool we used to remove them at the wrecking yards by just pulling a shop rag between the handle and the door panel, pops em right off.

Vince

and to think.. I was at the junkyard a few months ago, and there was a decent '51 Chevy with mint door handles I wanted.. no tool and I fought with a screwdriver before just giving up because they were closing for the night.. I had a rag in the toolbox.. correct reproductions are $50, and the yard gets $.50 per handle

[302 Z28]

No charge for that tip Matt

Vince

[66GMC]

This works in a pinch, if you aren't able to find the correct tool.

I've used a hacksaw blade, with a V-shaped cut from the edge to the center of the hole. I also ground off the teeth so that they wouldn't damage the upholstery. Bend the tang just slightly so that it will engage the clip.

Edit:
There are supposed to be two pictures uploaded, but I only see one.
I'm sure you get the idea...

[a1supersport]

Before I knew about that clip remover, I used to use a paper clip with a small bend at the tip. Bend the other end of the paper clip and grab it with a pliers. Funny thing is, even after I found out about that clip-removal tool, I never bought one. So long as there was a paper clip around, I had a tool.

[fast68]

i like the rag trick so obvious and ingenious

i cant wait to try it out in the morning!

i cant believe ive never come across it over all these years from an old timer or something

wow...

nice!

[DanTwoLakes]

Originally Posted by a1supersport

Before I knew about that clip remover, I used to use a paper clip with a small bend at the tip. Bend the other end of the paper clip and grab it with a pliers. Funny thing is, even after I found out about that clip-removal tool, I never bought one. So long as there was a paper clip around, I had a tool.

The problem is that the clip does not seat in the handles as you have it pictured. The back end of the clip slides completely into the groove and can't be pulled out as you have it pictured. You may be able to catch the side of the clip, but not the extreme rear of the clip.

[302 Z28]

Rag works perfect Dan. I can't tell you how many 55-57 Chevy's we robbed door handles and window cranks from in wrecking yards back in the day. My parents garage was literally full of various 55-57 stuff. Dad cleaned it all all out when I was away in the military...never forgave him for that .

Vince

[a1supersport]

Originally Posted by DanTwoLakes

The problem is that the clip does not seat in the handles as you have it pictured. The back end of the clip slides completely into the groove and can't be pulled out as you have it pictured. You may be able to catch the side of the clip, but not the extreme rear of the clip.

That's funny. 26 cars and 25 years later...and you're telling me it doesn't work? Every panel, whether it's plastic ones of the newer cars, or cardboard/vinyl of old, will give once pushed against...exposing most of the backside of the handle. If you're looking at the drawing as it sits and making your assumptions from it, I'm sorry I didn't make it 3D for you to completely comprehend.

[DanTwoLakes]

If you would have actually read what I said, you'd know I didn't say your method doesn't work, I said the clip doesn't stick out like you have it pictured. At least they don't on the four Chevies I own. I'm sure you can get the clip out with your method, but you can't catch the back of the clip, you'd have to catch one of the points that stick out on the side, just like every other tool and every other method does. I'm sure glad you didn't take what I said wrong and over react.

I'm sure the rag method works too, I didn't say that doesn't work either.