98 interior door handle

[jamie72]

looks like I need to replace the interior door handle on my 98, I have been having to jerk it harder to open lately, or is it something else? how much of a job is this going to be?
thanks

[El conquistador]

Common issue with these trucks. The metal cracks in the handle and you don't see it without removing it. Easily replaced and available at many auto parts stores.

[BigBlocksRule]

Yep, a whole lot easier than replacing the outside POS. Gremlins live inside those doors and slash and chop your arm and hands when you work on the outside handles, little buggers don't seem to mind when someone works on an inside one, though.
You will have to drill out the original rivet, I use a small wood screw to replace it.
O'Reiley's should have it, may have to order it in to get the correct color.
But by all means, jerk hell out of it and break the old one before you replace it, that somehow gives a little bit more satisfaction...

[68c10owner]

Need to do this to my driver door. I have to roll the window down to get out, pass side is hard for my daughter to open. Went on ebay and bought both sides in the correct color for $22. Not sure of the quality as I havent done the job yet but they look ok. There is a video on youtube from A-1 auto or something like that that shows how to do the swap. Looks pretty easy.

[jamie72]

thanks guys,, kinda what I thought.. getting ready to order one.

[BigBlocksRule]

Use pliers to push the rods up out of the plastic "locks", don't just try to pull 'em out.
I use a modified long screwdriver to help get the door panel plastic whatchamacallems out, they break easily, so don't get in a hurry with those. Other than that, this is about as easy as a repair gets. I've used parts store and ebay replacements, haven't broken either since replaced. Why GM thought pot metal would work fine for door handles is beyond my comprehension...other than the replacement parts cash cow...

[El conquistador]

I'd order a bag of these before I started.


Amazon.com: 50 Door Panel Push Type Retainers GM...
Those clips break easily and it's much cheaper than going to the dealer.

[BigBlocksRule]

Yeah, and don't try to pop 'em off, you can break the door panel place that holds the retainers. I keep a junk one on the wall of my shop, spray painted all the retainer spots bright pink, helps to know exactly where they are, prevents breakage.

[legendman]

I got the one in this pic on epay for $10.34 with shipping
Hopefully it lasts a little while

[pwdcougar]

I've done the drivers door on my 97 3 times already. Not a difficult job at all.

Paul

[BigBlocksRule]

Your epay was probably cheaper than local autoparts store for the identical item.

[pwdcougar]

Originally Posted by BigBlocksRule

Your epay was probably cheaper than local autoparts store for the identical item.

If the part is original Chevy hopefully it will last longer. My original lasted 9 or 10 years and the aftermarket ones about 3 each! They are so common though you can find them in the HELP section of some parts stores.

Paul