[DeTomaso] Door handle problem

[Mike & Elizabeth]

Hopefully they didn't compromise your driver's door handle in the same manner.  Yes, you will have to drill the riveted ends of the pin to get the door handle assembly apart.  The vendors sell replacement door handles and the pin to replace the one you need to drill out.  Is the black plastic bucket in good shape?  The key is to try to drill out the rivet without damaging the bucket.

I seem to recall that PI Motorsports sells a replacement pin that uses spring clips snapped into slots in the pin to hold it in place rather than the stock rivet style which if you don't have the proper tool to mash the rivet can end up breaking things.  Reach out to PI, they should have what you'll need.

Also note Mike Drew's email on the thermostat.  You might be able to source one through him without guessing on getting the right one in time.

Mike Thomas

-----Original Message-----
From: DeTomaso <detomaso-bounces at server.detomasolist.com> On Behalf Of Christopher Kimball
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2023 10:20 AM
To: 'Pantera Owners Club of America' <detomaso at server.detomasolist.com>
Subject: [DeTomaso] Door handle problem

Well, I disassembled my door and I found the problem with the handle. It appears that the little piece on the metal handle part Which pushes against the release inside the door to open it is snapped off because I found that piece at the bottom of the door. I suspect what happened was someone at the place where I took it to get the clear bra put on forced the handle to try to open the door when it was locked and broke it. Getting them to admit it will be another story! At this point I can't figure out how to get the handle assembly out of the door, so I can somehow disassemble it and buy a new part. It appears the moving part is riveted in to the door assembly which means I don't know how I will get it out to replace it without drilling it out. Any tips would be helpful!  Also, any ideas where I can get a new assembly from my passenger door?  Thank you. Sincerely, Chris



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