How do I remove window crank and interior door handle 56 customline?


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By Big6ft6 - 9 Years Ago
Hi all, can anyone confirm for me how to remove the interior door handle and window crank from my 56 customline?

When I push the door panel away and peer as best I can behind each of the handles, it seems I can see the ends of a small spring clip protruding from a slot in the handle casting.  My intuition is that I need to push the two spring ends apart with a pointed handle removal tool, (or do you use the funky handle too with the M shaped cutout?).   I don't want to break anything so I haven't been pushing too hard.  I can't get a good look behind the handles so I'm not confident in what I'm seeing.

Does anyone happen to have a pic of the back side of one of the handles removed after it is removed?  I tried searching the forums, I might be a poor searcher so my apologies in advance if this is posted somewhere!

Thanks!!  
Nate
By miker - 9 Years Ago
You're on the right track. The key is getting the M shaped tool (if it's what I think it is) into the slot the clip is in. As you push the clip out, the tool becomes the "lock". So, you need to move the clip out far enough it stays out, then remove the tool. The other ways to take a piece of welding rod, put a tight hook on one end, and a 90 degree bend on the other. Or a 90 degree dental pick, with the point rounded. Then you can pull the clip out. I did 8 handles last weekend, my buddy and I are relining the window channels on two cars. Had to fiddle with all of them, and a couple clips flew off, not to be found.
By MplsMike - 9 Years Ago
hopefully this link works -- here is the "m shaped" tool:

http://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_mercury_late/inside-door-handle-and-window-crank-c-clip-removal-tool-ford-and-mercury.html
By MoonShadow - 9 Years Ago
An old trick that will actually work (sometimes) is to wrap an old nylon stocking around under the handle and rotate it around the base. Chuck
By 56_Fairlane - 9 Years Ago
I use a small stiff wire, like a large paper clip and bend a small hook at the very end and use it to hook the clip. It's small enough to fit between the panel and handle.
By crownvic55 - 9 Years Ago
Here are a couple of pictures of the back side of the handle and the clip.  The Mac's tool shown by MplsMike looks like a good way.  I have a tool that operates like pliers with notches for the clip but the Mac tool looks easier. 
By Big6ft6 - 9 Years Ago
Awesome!!  Thanks guys!!...I was using the wrong tool.  Your advice saved me lots of trial and error with the wrong tools/ideas.  I'm pretty sure the "M" tool is part of the small selection of stamped handle-removal tools I bought the other week.  I'll give it a shot as soon as I have a few minutes to try. 

By PF Arcand - 9 Years Ago
About the "M" shaped tools..the really thin ones can be frustrating to use, because they sometimes slip by the clip. Just be aware of it..