2008 Mustang Vapor Silver GT S197 Interior Upgrades

Lift up on the window switch plate, removing it from the door panel and disconnect the wiring harness.

A T30 Torx is needed to remove the bolt from the door handle cup and from behind the door pull.

Before removing the spring from the door handle and cup, notice the orientation. One leg of the spring goes into the handle and the other goes into a notch in the cup. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the door handle spring free. Be prepared for it to come flying toward you quickly. Hold a rag over it or use your other hand to keep it from flying into your face or vanishing into thin air.

Pull the handle out to the open position as if you were opening the door. Now, you can pry it up and down to remove it from the plastic studs in the door-handle cup. If you're unable to remove it, try moving the handle closer to the closed position. The plastic studs have a flat spot on them. Aligning the handle with these makes it much easier.

Install the billet handle be pressing it onto the plastic studs. Make sure it moves freely from the closed to open position before installing the spring. If it doesn't open or close properly adjust as needed so it functions properly.

The S197 door panels have hooks on the bottom that hold the panel in place so you can connect the speaker wiring and door-handle cable.

Place the cable into the handle and reattach the clip (similar principle to a brake cable on a bicycle). You can now finish reassembling the door panel and test the billet door handle for proper operation. Repeat for the opposite door and you're done.

Place the spring into the handle in the proper orientation by using a screwdriver to move the legs into their positions. Check the door handle again to make sure it moves freely.