Hi,

Two interior issues that Id like to get fxed. First is the inside door lever on the drivers front. The chrome backplate is cracked and a piece has fallen off of it. Also the lever doesnt sit straight, it is slightly angled downward, as if the entire piese got caught on someones coat and ripped out. It works fine, just doesnt look all too nice.

Second is repair of a hole in the MB-tex on the drivers seat, seatback, lower left side. I guess keys got caught and poked on the seat on that spot a few too many times... The hole is actually about 3 in by 2 in oval shaped. Is there any hope for repairing this? if so what did you use? It just looks kind of ugly, and my car is almost pristine other then that hole, the door lever, and the usual pain scratched (no dents fortunately )

Thanks for any advice

JMH

The door handle is a fairly easy fix. I've done two so far and they're pretty straightforward. What happens is that the metal piece which supports the chrome handle snaps in two. The handle tends to hold on for awhile and still open the door but the condition gets gradually worse. The solution is to:

1. Remove the door cover by unsnapping it, unscrew arm-rest, unscrew two tiny screws holding the crome u piece by the end of the door, pry out the black plastic guard which is behind the chrome door handle, unscrew the screw behind that guard, lift the door cover and remove

2. locate the broken piece and remove rods from it

3. unscrew it

4. replace with new and re-assemble.

I think the actual part is around $9.00

If any of this sounds confusing, just start working on it because it is quite simple

Don

__________________
DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed

This door handle has a 100% failure rate due to poor design.
I have replaced several with one from a rear door. these don't get used that often and are in good shape.

__________________
Ed
1981 300CD (Benzina)
1968 250 S (Gina) 266,000 miles!
1983 Alfa Romeo GTV6 (Guido)
1976 Jaguar XJS-saved a V-12 from the chevy curse, what a great engine!
1988 Cadillac Eldorado (better car than you might think!)
1988 Yamaha Venture (better than a Wing!)
1977 Suzuki GS750B
1976 Yamaha XS 650 (sold)
1991 Suzuki GSX1100G (Shafty Gixser)
1981 Yamaha VX920RH (Euro "Virago")
Solex Moped
1975 Dodge P/U camper


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