Available only as a two-door coupe or convertible, the Ford Mustang makes no pretense at being a family car. Although most modern Ford cars are manufactured world-wide, the Mustang is made only in North America and caters to the buying public in that part of the world. Early Mustangs utilized a push-button door handle while later models used a flush-mounted, lift-up handle.
Remove the door armrest by backing out the two retaining screws with a Phillips head screwdriver. Remove the interior door handle and window crank by loosening the set screws at the base of the handles with the screwdriver. Pull the handles straight off.
Pry off the door panel with a panel removal tool until the retaining clips release. Peel away the paper backing on the door to reveal the backside of the door handle. Lift up on the hinged retaining clip that holds the lock rod to the back of the handle. Lift the lock rod up from the handle.
Remove the two retaining screws from the backside of the handle with the screwdriver. Remove the handle from the outside of the door.
Place new mounting gaskets (included with a new handle or use the old gaskets) onto the back of the replacement handle. Hold the handle into position on the outside of the door while tightening the retaining screws from the inside of the door.
Push the lock rod into the mounting hole on the inside of the new door handle. Push down on the retaining clip until it snaps into place.
Push the door panel back into position until all of the retaining clips snap into place. Replace the door armrest and handles and tighten the retaining screws.
Lift up the door handle to reveal the retaining rivets underneath. Place a center punch in the center divot of the rivet and strike it with a hammer to drive the rivet out. Remove the second rivet in the same fashion. Note that the handle will still be attached to the lock rod inside the door.
Remove the screws that attach the interior door handle cup, door armrest and the triangular piece of trim at the upper front side of the door panel with a Phillips head screwdriver. Set all of the pieces aside.
Pry up on the lower side of the door panel with a panel removal tool to release the retaining clips. Lift the panel straight up then away from the door.
Peel away the paper or plastic door lining near the outer door handle. Reach inside the door through the access hole revealed after removing the liner. Pry the door lock rod downwards from the inside of the door handle with a flat head screwdriver. Remove the door handle from the outside of the door.
Attach a new door handle into place with two small bolts, washers and nuts. Tighten the bolts with a small adjustable wrench. Push the lock rod onto the mounting hole on the inside of the new handle until it snaps into place. Press the lining back into place. Replace the door panel, door handle cup, armrest and triangular trim in the reverse order of removal.
