[Silverstreak]

Before anyone hollers at me for not searching, know that I have searched and read every thread on performing this procedure. I still have questions for those who have accomplished this task.

I am finally going to swap out the chrome V6 handles on my coupe for painted ones. I know I have to remove the interior door panels.

-Do I have to disconnect the battery first?
-Does it matter if the glass is lowered or raised before I start?
-Do I need to have any more white gasket sealant on hand? If so, what type should I buy?
-Is this something I should even attempt, or have a shop do it?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Mike W]

1. It never hurts to disconnect the battery when having to unplug electrical connectors, so yeah go ahead and disconnect as a safety precaution

2. If the glass was lowered how would you access the door handle after removing the interior panel? Would it be in the way? Just leave it up

3. If you are talking about sealant to stick the vapor/water barrier back onto the door - if you're careful when removing it you should have no problems sticking it back on with the already in place adhesive. I found that using a small "exacto" type knife to slowly slice through the adhesive WITHOUT cutting the plastic was extremely helpful as it left a layer of adhesive on the metal and on the plastic, making it easy to stick back on

4. Sure, do it yourself...it's the only way you'll ever learn! Yes it'll take a few hours, but I'd rather spend a few hours learning than spend probably $250+ for some shop to install them

 

[gillbill2795]

Well it seems like an awful lot of work to change them out vs what a ton of other people on the forums do. They have gone from body colored to chrome by using chrome covers. I'm sure there are some body colored ones out there for you to put on, that would do an almost as good job for cheaper and easier.

But if you're a perfectionist and want the real handles, I would say...

1. Like the above poster said, it wouldn't hurt to disconnect the battery, it would just ensure that you wouldn't blow a fuse if there is something electrical to disconnect.

2. Definitely keep the glass up, it would block the bolts that hold the handle in place if it were to be down.

3. You could take the safe bet and buy some more sealant as a precaution, but you could be really careful with removing the handle's sealant as you take it off. You could cut it away and leave a lot of it on the door, rather than the handle so you could reheat it and then stick it back on with the new one. If not, easiest way is to buy some cheap sealant and stick it on there.

4. It really doesn't seem too daunting to do, just take your time with removing the door trims and whatever else you need to access it. It's just too much money to let a shop do it, and plus.. You get to brag about doing it yourself and be proud of it with saving a few bucks for a relatively straightforward job!

All the luck to you man, lemme know how it goes! I've been interested in this and would like to see how hard it is and how much it ends up costing you! :wave:

 

[mobiless2]

Try to find a magnetic 10mm socket makes it easy to remove bolts without dropping.

 

[Silverstreak]

Thank you for the tips everyone. I feel like a dolt for asking about the glass in hindsight, lol.

Gillbill I actually did buy a set of the plastic chrome covers from ebay, with the plan of painting them silver and slapping them on. I'm not confident they'll look good, tho. The fit isn't that hot to be honest. :dunno:

 

[08newbie]

I hate my chrome door handles and wanted to paint them but it would cost a lot to get them painted so I just have to live with them unless someone wants to trade?