I have 1970 240. The exterior handle on the drivers door quit working. It lifted ok but would not engage the latch to open. Lock works and interior door latch works. So I took off the upolstery panel and had a look. There is a bizzare looking L shspe rod with little bends and a plastic end that connects the exterior handle to another rod that pushes down on the door latch mechanism to open the door. The L shape rod dropped off of the upper latch/handle connection and I have it but cannot get my fingers or a needle nose pliers in the right positions to reattach it. Is there another connector piece or pin to hold it to the handle and how do I get in there to reattach it? So far I have not started swearing to throwing tools.

There is a plastic retainer that holds the rod in a hole in the handle assembly, with age the tab that has the hole in it breaks off, and you get exactly the symptoms you discribe. Look on the end of the rod, and in the bottom of the door for a broken piece, and you will probably find your issue. Replace the door handle, and the problem is solved.

If you fill out your profile, you can probably hook up with a member local to you for a helping hand!

Will

So do I need to replace the whole handle assembly or can I just get the plastic end and reattach the rod and if so what must I remove to get at this?

You could try and find an old handle at a wreakers yard and very carefully remove the clip and try to fit it to yours without breaking it. But for the money, I'd buy a new handle and install it.

You can remove the lock latch mechanism and this will allow the whole assembly to move into the door cavity where you can get your non Japanese fingers into the area and snap on the arm. I little cursing is OK and on most occasions required. You may also need to remove the lower inner door handle rod pivot bolt to get the thing out too. It's located at the lower corner of the door closest to the dogleg.

If I were you, I remove the entire assembly, clean it up with degreaser, re grease and reinstall. All this shouldn't take you more than a couple of hours and well worth the effort. No more clunky door handle noise and the door locking mechanism will be very smooth to lock and unlock with the key.

Does anyone have a photo of how the lock mechanism sits in the assembly? The bodyshop disassembled the handles, locks, to paint and they don't work now. Won't lock.

Need to see a pic so I can compare. Thank you!!!

Does anyone have a photo of how the lock mechanism sits in the assembly? The bodyshop disassembled the handles, locks, to paint and they don't work now. Won't lock.

Need to see a pic so I can compare. Thank you!!!

Will this work?

Thank you THANK YOU!!!

Hopefully I can get this fixed; darn bodyshop. They sure know how to take them apart, but put them back together correctly? Not a chance.

So Kerrigan, is this a new paint job we'll get to eyeball at Canby in June?

Yes it is; hand cutting the clearcoat currently, taking foreva.

Never used a power buffer so I didn't want to burn the clearcoat.

Hoping to get it ready in time for Portland Roadster Show ... many things to dink.

Up on stands so I'm trying to get the wheels back on to take some pics to send with the application.