Because PO never waxed my 81 300D, tops of exterior door handlse lack significant amount of chrome. Today I purchased repl;ace door handles at local salvage yard (use parts supplier). Can a DIY'er readily exchange the lock tumblers in the replacement handles with tumblers from the ones being replaced, or does this require special knowledge, skill and tools of locksmith. I first thought I may be able to disassemble them; then reassemble them using the appropriate "keeper" parts, but I noticed couple of small rivets in each unit which may impede such a task. Any tips? TIA

Wilton,
As long as you have a key for all the different locks, it is an easy do it yourself.
Take off the parts at the back of the lock tumblers, stick the key in the lock, turn & pull the key and the lock tumbler will come out the handle.
If you do not have the key, you can not turn the lock and it will become more difficult to get out the lock tumblers. If you have the lock tumblers out, you have to take care only to get the key out when you are sure the loose inserts of the lock will not be lost...

If you have the lock tumblers out, you better clean & oil/grease them before you put them back in.

grettingz,

MBenz, thanks for reply.
I don't have the keys to the replacement units.
If I punch out the pin that appears to secure the long, thin shaft to base of tumbler assembly, will the assembly come apart? I noticed a spring beneath collar between the long, thin shaft and base of tumbler case. When I remove the pin, will small things tend to "fly"? TIA

It's easy! I've practiced on the replacement units. I removed pin between base of tumbler assembly & long, thin shaft, & tumbler assembly slips right out toward outside like I thought it should. I've disassembled and reassembled both replacement units. I can use same procedure on the units on the car, clean & lube the tumbler assemblies from the car and slip them into the replacement handles - just what I had in mind!! Thanks.

'Made the switch this afternoon! Removed tumbler assemblies/cylinders from original handles, cleaned & lubbed them & installed them in replacement handles. Because driver tumbler assy. has been used more than other side, I switched them. 'New handles, etc., look & work great!!