Inoperable door handle and sticky window crank

[broncoranger'77]

Hi guys new member here. I have a 1977 ranger with the vinyl inserts and cannot figure out how to remove them without damaging the cardboard material. I have an Inoperable door handle and sticky window crank so I need to get inside the door. It's not the sport model with exposed screws. It's the insert fastened with clips. I read a putty knife may do the trick? Thanks.

 

[AxlesUp]

I bought an interior trim removal tool for $10 several years ago. that thing is worth its weight in gold!

 

[CopperRanger]

I bought an interior trim removal tool for $10 several years ago. that thing is worth its weight in gold!

X2, Harbor Freight has a few different ones for cheap.

 

[rjrobin2002]

Once you get in there, usually all of the door handles and window cranks just need a good cleaning with some brake cleaner to remove all the 40 year old grease that has became thick and sticky. The spray it all with some lithium grease and rock on.

 

[Slowleak]

I just took my 77 Ranger panels off to grease the window gears. I use a plastic spatula handle to pop the clips out starting at the top rear edge. It won't scratch the paint but it has to be sturdy. Picture below will show the location of the clip holes.