Door handle, how to tighten on a 1977 124 Spider?

[camsam77]

Hello to All,

Can anyone share how they tightened the drivers side door handle on a 1977 spider or equivalent? I took off the door panel and I can see one of the nuts which are on either side of the key mechanism, but I don't know what type of tool to use to tighten the nut. It is such a cramped space, is there another way to get to it that I am not thinking about?

Thanks in advance!

Cam

[tartan18]

Anyone? I have a 1975 and have the same question ... In preparation for painting I want to remove the door handles and replace them with new. How do you get the nuts off the darn thing?

[Mdpond1]

I used universal on my deep well socket wrench..... but be very careful they break very easy....I would spray them down with a penetrating oil for a couple days... then go easy.

I broke on stud on mine and had to drill it out and epoxied (3500PSI) the same bolt threads in to it. Painter still has my car so wont know if it will hold till I get her back.
good luck!!!!

[camsam77]

Thanks Mark. But is the only way to get to the nuts on the door handle through the small opening on the inside of the door which can be seen once the door panel is removed? I cannot even see one of the nuts looking through the small opening. Thanks again!
Cam

[johndemar]

Cam,
Find a friend with smaller hands?
You have to feel for them. And I agree with Mark, let them soak overnight before trying to loosen or tighten them, because they will snap off pretty easily.