How to Remove a Door Latch on a Thunderbird

The Thunderbird is one of the most popular cars ever produced by the Ford Motor Company. The car model has a reputation for durability with models still being operated that were manufactured in the 1950s. The 1997 Thunderbird was the last year of the tenth generation of the Thunderbird line that was produced from 1989 to 1997. This generation offered a completed remodeled interior and exterior of the car with it being one of the first cars in North America to have four wheel independent suspension. If you own a third generation Thunderbird, you may need to remove a door latch as the car ages.

Things You'll Need

  • Phillips head screw drive. 1 2" x 4" piece of scrap wood Electric drill 1 Drift tool
  • Open the car door. Locate the screws that are holding on the interior door panel that are located by the armrest on the door. Remove these screws and then remove the door panel itself. Remove any liners that may be present.

  • Disconnect the door actuating rod from the door handle. The rod is used to connect the door handle to the release mechanism for your door and is directly connected to the latch assembly.

  • Open the door handle and keep it open from the interior of the door. This can be achieved by wedging I piece of scrap wood in between the handle and the door. Locate the two rivets that are holding the door handle in place located beneath the door handle.

  • Remove these rivets carefully. Using a small screwdriver or drift, knock out the center pin in each rivet.

  • Drill out the rivet body after removing the center pins and remove the door latch from your Thunderbird.