I am currently attempting to re-install my doors on my 68 Firebird. The passenger door will close with a bit of a push, but when I try and open it using the outside door handle button, it wont release the latch. But when I use the inside handle, it does release. The latch assembly is new, but the door handle is original. The rod on the handle that pushes against the plate on the mechanism when you depress the button is about 1/2 to 3/4 inches away from the plate. So, it seems that the rod needs to be a bit longer or the plate needs to rotate down toward the rod tip. Below is a picture of the assembly I am speaking about for some clarity. Is there some adjustability to this or am I missing something?

Thanks for any help. Henry

Are the outside handles repops? Many of the repops have various lengths of rods and are incorrect. If you are reinstalling the originals, I'd guess you have something installed wrong. I used repop handles but used my original push buttons and rods to get everything to work.

I had this problem on my drivers door...and am not 100 % sure on how I solved it..(it was 13 yrs ago), but there was a flat piece on the mechanism that the rod in the door handle pressed against...and I bent it slightly towards the rod...worked fine after...think it had bent slightly after 40 yrs...could be similar w a too short rod...you may be able to add a piece , shim the flat part....?

I have the same problem with mine. I oiled the mechanism and now the rod just makes it open but it is hard. I wasn't sure if I can bend the part back. I have a replacement button but I think its in the lock mechanism. All parts are original nothing new.

Hank, I had the same problem on a friends car I tried bending the tab back and fourth and it never seemed to help. I ended up welding a small piece of metal onto the tab to make up the distance.