Questions and Answers

Van Door Handle Q. Hi Vince, In light of all the other Chevy owners problems I've been browsing through, it makes mine seem pretty trivial, but it's giving my grief none the less, so here it is. I have a 1989 Chevy Beauville van.

The outside door handle on the passenger door is coming loose. I've ignored it for quite a while, but it's really getting loose now. So I wanted to tighten it. I gather that has to be done from the inside of the door. I managed to get the inner panels all unscrewed but the inner door handle (opener) is proving trouble. It's serving as a big bolt itself right in the middle of the door and I can't see a way to remove it. One of my friends said he used to install stereo systems and told me on a lot of GM's they had to use a special wrench to remove that handle in order to take the panel off. Is this right? Is there any way I can take it off myself? Or is there a different method to tighten the outer door handle?

Thanks for any help and insight,
Shannon

A. I never needed any special tools to remove the door panel. There is a tool to remove the window handle (if non-electric windows) and the door panel clips, but they are not required. The inside door handle does not come of with the door panel. The handle is screwed directly to the door. There is a bezel that surrounds it that has to come off however. I had to look it up because this old brain of mine just ain't what it used to be. There are four small screws in each corner of the cover that have to come out. Then the cover comes off and you can remove the door panel.

Once the panel is off, you should be able to get to the two nuts holding the door handle in pretty easily.

Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA