my original handle broke, i just got the replacement, after removing the bezel around the handle i come to see the handle is riveted to something else. Is there another way to remove the handle without having to somehow saw off those rivets?

 

Nope. Got to punch the pin out of the rivet and then drill the head off, followed by getting the rest of it out of the door or it will drive you nuts rattling around in there. And, you'll notice, that you lose the rear bezel mounting screw with the aftermarket replacement. So, it's probably a good idea that you don't strip the hole for the screw behind the handle.

 

thanks for the tips, i'm debating whether taking it to the dealer will save me a headache and a possible chance of ruining my door. oh well, thanks again.

 

The dealer will probably hose you 2-300 for what takes about a half hour and nothing more than a punch, hammer, drill, and a rivet gun or bolt and nut.

 

yeah i suppose you're right, i bought the punch so now gonna get to work, just realized i need a tork to remove the arm rest and cup holders

 

Forgot about those. You'll need a T27 for the armrest and a T15 for the door handle bezel screw.

 

haha thanks, well i did it, had to make a couple of trips to the hardware store but i got it done and this new handle feels alot more sturdy so i might end up replacing the other one as well. thanks for the advice again.

 

That's why I bought mine as a pair... The driver's side one snapped off in my hand one day and I got sick of getting out of the passenger's side. Figured that the passenger's side one wasn't too far behind, so I replaced that one as well.

 

Are this standard rivets, or those 1/4 inch peel rivets?

 

They're definitely not 1/4" peel rivets... 3/8" I believe. Back to the store I go...