Probably an easy awnser, just wanted to check before I start ripping off my door pannels, can I take off the outside door handle without taking off the inside door pannel? (for a 98 silverado) I took off the bolt on the inside of the door that connects to the outside door handle but that only relased half of it. I need to do this as magically my door wouldnt open from the outside this morning, wouldnt open from the inside either for a few tries and then finally did and seems fine now (drivers side door) I had to do replace the inside door handle for the same problem already and that cost me $40 to do myself.
any info on how to fix this problem would be great - I orderd my new tires a couple days ago (backorderd) so I really want to fix this myself, and it shouldnt be very difficult.
thanks
Greg

I did this not too long ago. I can't really remember. I did take out the bolt that holds the handle on. The one you mentioned. It's located on the inside/thin part of the door. Remember that the door lock itself is attached to the handle and then is attached to a rod. I am talking about the actually mechanism that the key inserts into and turns. That might make it a little difficult to get out.

Good luck.

Laters, Ryan

crowbar

crowbar my ass... nah nah nah... [img]images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

I replaced the outer handle on my uncles K2500LD last summer. I had to take the door panel off to disconnect the linkage. That is the easiest way. Assuming you don't have power locks, there's two rods connected to the door panel, one on handle, one on lock actuator. Those go to the locking mechanism in doorframe. There is two again from the outside handle, one for the lock (key), and one connected to the handle. Pay attention to the way they're routed around each other. I had to spend some time fidling with those rods. I think I even ended up rebending one or two of them. [img]images/graemlins/cussing.gif[/img]