Window Question And Replacing Rivets?

[jeebowhite]

Hi Guys,

So recently, my door handle died :( the rod snapped clean off and now I am looking to replace it.

So I removed the interior door panel got to the big lump of metal underneath and just as things seemed to be going well....

I removed the 10mm bolts, and have removed the door panel and the front window dropped a cm or two! D'oh! so I tried to work around this - no such luck!

So I resorted to trying to replace it, nope, that didnt have it! after much toing and froing and copious amounts of swearing in my head, I managed to get the top three bolts in and that seems to be holding the window...

Question 1 - these three bolts seem to hold the window fine, I think it should be safe to drive, as long as I dont go driving over potholes at 90, I shouldnt see a problem driving this temporarily?

Question 2 - If I just use Duct Tape and secure the window in the upright position before I next look to faff around, this should be fine as a counter proposal to removing the window should it?

finally - Question 3 - Rivet Removal!

The Haynes manual is very fond of drilling rivets out, but how expensive is it to replace these rivets?

Thanks in advance :)

[stef123]

Are they just pop rivets James? Drilling them is the best way. Pennies to replace them

[jeebowhite]

not sure lol, I havent gotten as far as to actually look :D I just literally undid the nuts and hope for the best!

[stef123]

haha, I have never done a Ford one so I can't help with sizes and types of rivet..

You can get a small selection pack though which might be handy if its pop rivets - chances are it is. They may be the flanged type though so one to watch out for.

[jeebowhite]

Cheers Stef, the idea looks to be difficult as I dont have a rivet gun and dont overly trust myself with it I guess!

so just looking at this again, I have put some duct tape on the window to see if I can get any more luck at lunchtime, but I am doubting it!

If I drill out the window regular rivets from the door panel, will this destabilize the window? or will it still hold the window up?

[jeebowhite]

just called a garage for a quote to do the work, as I cant put the rivets back and as I dont really have the time (less than an hour a day to take it apart, try fix it and put it back together again...) so I will see what they say just to pop the rivets, replace the latch and then put it back in again.

[jeebowhite]

Well, left it with an indie and they got the thing replaced. So now, I have to just replace the clips on the doorcard and plug that back in properly and jobs a good 'un. £56 lighter but not a bad investment! at least I can now open my own door!