I have found that if the hook on the forward end of the handle isn't fully
seated into the hole in the panel, the handle won't sit flush against the
door, preventing it from tightening down properly. And it can be difficult
to seat the hook, especially if your van's been repainted and the panel is
a few microns thicker and/or if you're using new handle seals.

So, after you've tightened the big screw, coax the hook into place by
tapping the handle with a soft mallet until it pops into place.  Further
tighten the screw if necessary.

James V
86 Syncro Westy

On Thu, May 2, 2013 at 1:14 PM, David Bjorkman <ddbjorkman@verizon.net>wrote:

>  That's a big screw,  Wish I had noticed it before I pulled back the inner
> door panel and plastic.  Only problem is the screw is quite tight and I'm
> still loose where the tang goes in.  Any suggestions?
>
> Dave B.
>
>
> On 05/02/13, Alistair Bell<albell@SHAW.CA> wrote:
>
> open door, pull back door rubber adjacent to latch, expose phillips head
> machine screw, tighten screw :)
>
> alistair
>
>
> On 2013-05-02, at 12:26 PM, David Bjorkman wrote:
>
> > Hi All;
> > The outside drivers door handle seems to have become loose where it
> enters the door panel in the front. I loosened the inside panel to access
> the door handle, but can't seem to see how it attaches. It seems to just
> hook in. Didn't see a screw or allen. How do I tighten it up?
> >
> > Dave B.
>