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

Nate - Madison, Wisconsin

 

56 Ford Customline Sedan

 

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.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

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


MplsMike
'56 Parklane
Minneapolis, MN

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

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

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.


~DJ~ AKA "Bleach"
1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan 30K original miles

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. 

Ben HessTulsa,OK

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. 

Nate - Madison, Wisconsin

 

56 Ford Customline Sedan

 

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..


Paul