How to Install Polished Billet Interior Door Handles on your 1994-2004 Mustang

I removed my door panels for this installation because I also installed the Polished Billet Door Lock Bezels (79-04 All) Item # 41213 at the same time.

1. Using a small flat head screwdriver, Pry out the armrest switch control bezel, be careful because you can break the plastic clips or crack your bezel piece. Then disconnect the electrical connections.         

2. Take out the 2 retaining screws located behind the arm rest switch control plate.

3. Using a thin screwdriver, pry tool or special trim panel removal tool, pry out the plastic retaining clip securing the front edge of the door trim panel.

4. Remove the door handle bezel. Putting the door handle in the open position will help in removing the bezel.      

5. Detach the door speaker cover by pulling straight out. Now unscrew and remove the speaker assembly from the vehicle and unplug speaker electrical wiring clip.         

6. Once all the clips and screws have been taken off you can now detach the trim panel by gently pulling it up and out.

7. Now lay your panel on a work table or somewhere so you don’t scratch or get your interior panel dirty.

8. Using side cutters, cut the bottom of the roll pin used to hold the handle to the handle assembly. Remove original pin and discard.         

9. Before removing the old handle, note the direction and orientation of the old spring, which we will reuse. Remove the spring, and make sure to put it somewhere you will not lose it.

10. Remove the door release cable from your stock handle. This can be done by holding the door release cable with your fingers or needle nose pliers and rotating the cable so it is aligned with the gap in the stock handle. BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO PULL ON YOUR DOOR RELEASE CABLE. If you stretch out your cable, it is not adjustable, so you will have to replace it! Remove your stock handle.                  

11. Put your new handle into place and install opening cable and reinstall the spring. There is a small recess cut into the door handle that you should place one of the ends of the spring into in order to keep it aligned properly.

NOTE: Failure to install this spring correctly could cause the door handle to be loose, or in extreme cases could cause the door to open while the vehicle is in motion, so please be very careful!

Now time to put back together unless you have ordered the Polished Billet Door Lock Bezels (79-04 All) Item # 41213 do this at the before putting door panel back together it’s easier to do.

12. Place panel back on. Place door lock knob in bezel and making sure clips line up push in and push down on panel opposite of how you took it off.

13. Put back in retaining screws located behind arm rest switch control plate. Reattach all electrical connections. Put back in plastic retaining clip that secures front edge of door trim panel. Reattach your speaker, now reattach armrest control plate.

Installation Instructions Written By AmericanMuscle Customer Connie Durston 5/8/2013