How to Fix a Broken Door Handle on a Ford Mustang

Push Button Door Handle Instructions (1965 through 1970 models)

• 1). Open the door with the faulty door handle and roll the window all the way up. Remove the interior door handle and window crank handle by loosening, but not removing, the set screw at the base of each handle with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the handles straight off of door panel and place them aside. Follow subsequent steps if you need to replace the outer door handle.
  
  
• 2). Remove the two retaining screws from the door arm rest with a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the arm rest from the door and place it aside. Remove the interior door panel by sliding a panel removal tool under the edges of the panel and pulling outward. Place the panel aside.
  
  
• 3). Locate the outer door handle retaining screw just behind the outer portion of the handle on the inner door lip. Remove the screw with a Phillips screwdriver.
  
  
• 4). Reach inside the cavity revealed after removing the door panel and lift up on the clip that attaches the door actuator rod to the inner side of the door handle. Pull the rod from the door handle. Remove the door handle retaining screw near the actuator rod with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the handle straight out of the door from the outside and remove it.
  
  
• 5). Install the new outer handle in the reverse order of Steps 2 through 4. Position the door panel in place and push in around its perimeter until it snaps into place. Push the interior window crank and door handle into place and tighten the set screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Hold the arm rest in place while tightening the two retaining screws.
  
  

Recessed Door Handle Instructions (1978 through 1993 models)

• 1). Protect the paintwork around the exterior of the door handle with masking tape. Lift up slightly on the door handle to reveal the two rivets that attach the door handle to the door. Place a punch over the center of one of the rivets. Hit the punch with a hammer until the rivet is driven out. Repeat this procedure for the other rivet.
  
  
• 2). Remove the inside door handle cup and the armrest by backing out the retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Slide the plastic cover away from the window crank. Remove the window crank with a torx screwdriver. Pry the door panel away from the door with a panel removal tool until the retaining clips release. Lift the panel up and away from the door.
  
  
• 3). Pull back the paper liner on the inside of the door to reveal the inner cavity. Locate the lock rod that is still attached to the outside door handle. Pry the lock rod down with a flat-blade screwdriver and pull the door handle straight out from the outside of the door.
  
  
• 4). Place the new handle into position on the outside of the door. Secure the handle to the door with small bolts, lock washers and nuts. Tighten with a small wrench.
  
  
• 5). Push the lock rod onto the retaining hole on the inside of the door handle until it snaps into place. Install the door panel, window crank handle, door handle cup and armrest in the reverse order of Step 2.