Door Handle spring replacement

[vegas paul]

I need to replace the spring inside my passenger (outside) door handle. The handle works fine with the door opening mechanism, just doesn't return to the "inboard" position, since the spring is broken. I've got the handle off, and a new identical spring (actually an entire extra door handle that is cosmetically crappy, but functionally fine). It seems that the handle mechanism is pressed or rivetted in. Do I have to drill out or break this connection and then repress after replacing the spring? Or is there another way?

Las Vegas, NV - Stop by, coffee's on!
'51 Champion Business Coupe G899965 10G-Q4-1434

[Champion51]

I think everyone has to replace these springs every 40 or 50 years as they do rust out and eventually break.
I did 2 on my car just through trial and error. What I did, was simply lock the handle in a vise in such a way to give me access to what appears to be the riveted end of the brass pin that holds the spring in place. Take a small hammer and a large nail set and tap on the pin until it retreats through the hole and slips out. If there is an active spring in there right now, you'll notice that the torque of the spring causes the pin to withdraw on an angle. What that means, is when you put your new spring back in and try to push the pin back through, it will be an an angle again. Getting that pin to line up with the hole again, can be a bit of a challenge.
I did mine about 3 years ago, but had a spare, so I just went out to the shop to refresh my memory, took the pin out of that spare handle as described above and then reassembled it. The whole procedure took about 3 minutes. The trick is that when you get that pin lined up with the final hole (by working the handle a bit), you have to give it a firm drive with the hammer to force it back in place. This pin was a "pressed" piece as you figured. Once through the hole, it stays in place because of torque on the spring partially, however, I would suggest that you ensure that the formed head of the brass pin is on the top when mounted on the door. Remember, those handles can be mounted East or West, so determine your direction before reassembly.
When I first did mine, I thought it was a big deal too, but was actually fairly easy. I even made my own replacement springs as no vendor seemed to carry them. Good luck.

Dave D.
'51 4-dr Champion
Smithers, B.C.
Canada

[vegas paul]

Thanks, Dave. Worked like a charm. I didn't challenge your 3-minute record you mentioned, but it went fairly quick and easy.

Las Vegas, NV - Stop by, coffee's on!
'51 Champion Business Coupe G899965 10G-Q4-1434

[rockne10]

SI lists the spring, part #286869 for $3.95.

[52-fan]

I needed to replace the spring on one of my 52's handles and the local hardware store had a replacement for a garden shear that was the same size and worked like a charm.

1952 Champion Starlight, 1962 Daytona. Searcy,Arkansas