how to remove door panel 1987 tbird

have problems removeing interor door pannel so i can replace exterior door handle. also could use help on how to replace exterior door handle.
thanks

I used to have an 86, and I'm assuming the panels are similar, if not identical.

On that handle on the door (the strap looking handle in the middle), there are 2 molded pieces at each end of the handle that are shaped to contour with the handle. Take those off, and there are screws underneath.

In addition, there are a bunch plastic "barbed" pins going all around the door, mounted to the panel. Once you get all of the screws out, you have to just pull the panel away from the door, and listen to all of the plastic pins zipping and snapping as they come out the their respective holes. They get destroyed after a few times doing this, so try to get all you need done at one time. And be sure they are securely in the panel before trying to put it back on. If just one is off, you will have to pull the panel off again, and find the off-set one, then deal with the pins you just broke off from pulling the panel too many times.

Good luck. Hope this helps.