How to Remove the Inside Window Handle of a 1981 Nissan Pickup

If you want to replace the window-crank handle on your pickup, you might make the easy mistake of assuming that removing the old crank will be a snap. Unfortunately, this step requires a special tool, and may take you several tries. But the good news is that the tool is cheap and easy to find, and the procedure isn't particularly complicated; it's just a matter of trial, error and patience.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Removal wrench

1. Buy a tool designed especially for the removal of crank-style interior window handles. These tools are cheap and available at most auto-supply stores. While you're at the store, check around for replacement C-clips for window cranks. You might want to buy a few of them, just in case you lose or break one in the process of removing the handle.

2. Carefully work the tool into the crack between the base of the handle and the door, making sure the flattest side of the tool is against the door interior. Push the tool downward until you can feel it fit around the stem of the handle, like a crescent wrench around a nut. Then turn it, if necessary, so the tool handle points up.

3. Hold the handle of the tool still with one hand while you turn the window-crank handle back and forth with the other. The goal is to catch the metal C-clip that secures the crank handle in place, and to pop it out of alignment with the tool. But because you cannot see the clip, you will have to work by feel, and may have to work at it for several minutes. Turn the window-crank handle slowly, and try moving it in both directions. When the clip pops out, you should be able to feel it through the handle of the tool. You may even hear it ping around inside the handle.

4. Remove the window-crank handle from the door by pulling it straight off. Don't grab the handle by the knob, as you might damage the gears in the window mechanism as you pull it out. Pull from the base, using the handle-removal tool as a pry bar if necessary to get underneath it with your fingertips.

Tips & Warnings

• Removing interior window-crank handles becomes easier with practice. If you're about to attempt a removal for the very first time, be patient and don't force the handle or the tool.
• The clip that holds the handle onto its stem can sometimes spring off when it's being removed, and may bounce through a cavity in the hollow insides of the door. With this in mind, it's a good idea to have at least one replacement clip on hand if you're removing or installing interior window-crank handles.

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