What part of the door handles is typically what breaks on them? i have issues with 3 of my four door handles.

Driver's - From the exterior, it will open and close, but actual handle itself will not return to closed position. it "sticks" in whatever position i put it in. i'm assuming its just some sort of return spring that maybe broke, hopefully not some plastic clip or something it attaches to. it does operate as it should from the inside.

Driver's Rear - same issue as the front and operates like the front (works well from the inside of the car)

Passenger Rear- this door will not open from the outside, only from the inside. but the handle operates as it should, doesnt stick like the driver's side ones.

The passenger front is the only door handle that operates like it should lol.

Are these things repairable or should i just track down some new to me replacements? I'll tear into the doors a little more tonight maybe and see if i can get some pictures of what it looks like on the backside of the handles.

 

The driver side doors sound like the linkages need to be lubricated where they connect at the latch. Access is obviously behind the door panel.

Pass rear sounds like the plastic clip that attaches the interior handle rod to the handle is broken.

 

I assume it would be easier to replace the rear handle with a used one rather than trying to fix what i have?

 

As far as the drivers side doors, I dont think you need to buy anything new. Pull off the panels and take a look. If you figure you need something, I might have a part laying around so let me know. But I think with as much rust as that car has accumulated, those latch linkages might have developed a bit on the surface and is preventing it from functioning correctly.

Passenger rear door, if the handle itself is broken, might as well replace it instead of using epoxy and trying to fix it (assuming its broken at the connection). Since you're painting the car, you can always change the front handles with rear ones to eliminate key holes in the front doors....Only problem is unless you provide yourself a hidden solution in the event your battery dies and keyless entry fails to unlock your doors, you'll be waiting for help to arrive.

 

i was actually thinking of doing that, getting rears for all four doors but i was worried about the same issue if for some reason the keyless entry wouldnt work or the battery went dead

 

Just open the trunk and pop the rear seats down in an emergency...climb in and unlock a door.

(Assuming you're able to fit through the rear seat opening.)

 

True there is always that option lol