Rear door handle?

[Gebo]

I just broke off the rear door/hatch handle last nite after a big Thanksgiving supper at Mom and Dads. Can you give me any tips as to how to proceed? How the heck can I open the lid? How to replace? I'm gonna go to a couple of used auto places today (what a way to spend a vacation day!!). oh, it's a 92 SE.

[dmburrows]

There was a previous reply to this with pics and all. Do a search for latch or hatch.

[Gebo]

Originally Posted by dmburrows

There was a previous reply to this with pics and all. Do a search for latch or hatch.

NOthing?? LMP gave a site but I can't open it............

[LMP]

..INdeed there are 2 pictures here:
www.avigex.ca/xport/reargate.jpg
www.avigex.ca/xport/reargate2.jpg
They should be opened withoiut any problem if you have some king of picture software like paint or microsoft photo editor. I also think Explorer opens them right away.
If you have problems, I can turn them into .pdf document....

[llerrad]

If you can't open the door. remove speaker covers on the back door panel remove speakers 4 screws then you will see the latch bars just give each one a pull, you might need help to pull them both at the same time. Get another handle from the junk yard, remove top panel only, remove latch pull bars two plastic clips, remove power lock activation mech. with pliers pull of retainer clip for lock right hand side and that's it. to replace reverse process. Be sure to get rubber gasket for outside of lock handle, if you get one from the junk yard check for corrosion they get eaten badly.

[Gebo]

THanks, Guys!!

I removed speaker covers and was able to loosen the top of the inside plastic cover that goes across the back. I was then able to pull the latch bars and get trunk open. It looks like I am gonna have to drill that rivet out (the one in LMP's picture) in order to get the locking mechanism out.

I went on and bought a new one from the dealer at $30 for the whole bracket. SHould be here Monday. How will I replace the rivet if I don't have a rivet gun, although I guess I could get my hands on one........

[llerrad]

Rivit what rivet, I've done a bunch of these and never encounted a rivet there should only be a big square "c" type of clip plate holding in the key tumblers mech.

[Gebo]

Okay, how do I get the lock out?

[llerrad]

Maybe I've missed on what you ment. If you are going to keep the same key and re & re the barrel (key tumblers) you might need to remove a rivet. I've always just replaced the whole thing never did use a key in the back door.

[Gebo]

I'm gonna use the same key. How do I get the mechanism off?

[dmburrows]

Yes it should be a big square "c" clip spring that holds the cylinder/handle in place. If you want to use the same key, you must carefully pry the 1/8th inch steel tumbler retaining strip from the side of the cylinder (outside of the part that the key is inserted into). I say carefully because you need to reuse the steel strip on the new cylinder. Also because the key tumblers have to come out 1 at a time and be put back in the exact same position that you took them out. In my experience, this lasted several months until the retainer popped off on its own and spilled the tumblers inside the door. I used keyless remote to unlock untill the handle broke off again. Then I brought the new assembly and the key to a locksmith shop and had it keyd by them. That was only about $15-- call around.

[Gebo]

Do I just push the assembly toward the opening of the mouth of the "C"? YOu know, push it until it slides out?