How to remove plastic interior door handle

[utmba95]

Hi, my knee wore off the silver color on the plastic door handle. Can somebody please tell me how this piece comes off? Thanks!

 

[awdjunkies]

Don't you have to remove the arm rest/soft cushiony part first, which just pops up (no tools necessary)... Which then I believe gives you access to removing your specific part..

Either way I will check my book to see if it has any info/pics...

 

[BlackWorksInc]

You can't, if I remember right its basically clipped/melted/glued to the door panel. You're best bet is to tape it off and plasti-dip or paint it.

 

[utmba95]

Bummer. I was thinking about just sanding off the rest of the paint and leaving it glossy black, but it will be difficult still attached to the door. Thanks for the info.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Bummer. I was thinking about just sanding off the rest of the paint and leaving it glossy black, but it will be difficult still attached to the door. Thanks for the info.

It will be tricky, but just mask off the door and use super fine (the finer it is, the less scratches it should show after polishing) emery cloth and you should be fine.

 

[bobzworld]

I think its just clipped in according to this post http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/168978-how-remove-inner-door-handle-cover.html

no pictures though...

 

[bobzworld]

google image :site searched and came up with this

https://www.google.com/search?q=4runner+door+pull+removal&espv=2&biw=1517&bih=714&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=7DiqVPrcO8isogSfhYC4Aw&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg&dpr=0.9#tbm=isch&q=inner+door+handle+cover+site:http:%2F%2Fwww.toyota-4runner.org%2F1700869-post1.html&imgdii=_

Missing 2 pictures but i think i get the idea

remove the elbow cushion thing, undo screw, lightly pop up handle with panel removal tool, remove door panel, another screw on the back of door panel holds it in place, undo that screw, wiggle upwards and its free.

 

[bobzworld]

lemme know how it goes! im shopping for a 4th gen and all the ones that i have seen had these pieces all scratched up.

It wouldnt bother me so much it if its removable and can be painted, wrapped easily.

 

[utmba95]

I did this over the weekend, and it's not that simple. First of all, fortunately I found the service manual instructions for removing the door panel as I did not know there was a screw behind the "inside handle".

2. REMOVE FRONT DOOR INSIDE HANDLE BEZEL
(a) Using a screwdriver, disengage the 3 claws, and remove
the inside handle bezel.
HINT:
Tape the screwdriver tip before use.

After removing the screw holding the plastic handle to the door panel from the inside, it still did not come out without bending the large screw tab that holds it and the door panel to the door. When putting it back in, the screw tab broke off. I experimented with solvent welding it with acetone since it's ABS, but I couldn't get a strong weld. I don't think it's going to be a problem though since it clips pretty tightly to the door panel.

I removed the paint from the plastic with an 8" buffing wheel on my lathe using tripoli that I use for woodturning. I really like the black look.

 

[bpowa]

wow that came out nice.. Do you plan on painting your center console also?

 

[utmba95]

I will probably do the passenger door handle for symmetry. I don't plan to do anything else. To be clear, I didn't paint the handle. The plastic is black ABS, so I just buffed off the silver paint to the bare plastic.

 

[DT04R]

The interior on our 2008 is mostly new looking, but those handles are a little worn/scratched - I had wondered about removing/replacing them.

So it sounds like they don’t pop off? Or the replacement option would to replace the entire piece?

 

[utmba95]

My dealer said they only sell the entire door panel which was over $500. Unfortunately they don't pop off as easily as it would appear.

 

[DT04R]

My dealer said they only sell the entire door panel which was over $500. Unfortunately they don't pop off as easily as it would appear.

OK, thanks. Bummer when a car design doesn’t make components that are obviously wear items, modular so they can be easily replaced. Heck, I figured about $25-30 each and everything would be totally refurb’ed.