Well, I just finished changing the door handle on my 81. I was very worried and concerned. I enlisted the help a friend, always good to have a reset button... I would like to offer some helpful advice to help anybody else who might try, while its still fresh in my mind. The best information I found can be accessed by googling "Porsche 928 door handle" You will see a post by 'Rennlist.com" and pay attention the the post labeled "Jan 20, 2013". It is a great step by step w pictures !!! The only issue is that when you loosen the "security plate", please put up the window before you remove it. It won't come out unless you do..We wasted a lot of time trying to get it out w the window down. he states this but it is said as an after thought, and didn't see it where he has it listed after the photos. No insult to author, as the whole thing was very descriptive.
When we re-assembled and put door panel back on, we tried every option as we reconnected speakers, power window switch and door courtesy light. After we got it all together the door courtesy light didn't work...What the hell !!! It was simply that the wires were routed incorrectly around the other ones so when we opened and closed the door they pulled off the connections. No worries... the whole light pops out carefully, and the wires can be fished out and re-connected.
We took copious notes on what wires went where, and I'm glad we did, we also took photos w cell phone. Glad we did, because it took a couple of weeks to complete and you think your always going to remember... I didn't so glad I took the time up front.
My last trick, my door panels had been off once before as the original owner had old speakers replaced. The door panel was still perfect and I wanted it to stay that way. So I took the time to put small pieces of scotch tape on the good side of the door panel where clips were on the back. There are a lot and some in middle of panel. This helped to pop them in accurately, and not forget any.
There was some adjusting of the rod that gets popped off when changing handle, after the new handle is installed. It affects door locking The key will not rotate in cylinder twords rear of car if not adjusted right. YOU HAVE TO HAVE DOOR CLOSED TO CHECK THIS. You can fool the door if you close the lock in door jamb, BUT... it has to be latched all the way in , not just one click but two clicks. Make sure the latch in the door jamb is all the way in to authenticate door is closed or key will not turn to rear to lock doors. Make sure you know how door locks work, before you take apart, its simple once you know. I did not so learning that part while doing door handle made job take a lot longer...
Hope I did not ramble....Good luck if you take this on, it can be done...Now I'm an expert. I can also answer questions or take a phone call if someone contacts me.
Thanks Mark...
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