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I'm somewhat mystified. My '94 Astro van has two rear doors that meet in the middle: left and right.

You open the right door first, then the left, by means of a handle that's on the inside edge of the door (in the middle where the two doors meet).

The handle is broken.

Other handle, we've got screws or something removable. THIS handle has four solid brassy-looking metal buttons that say "8.8" on them.

I consulted TWO different "complete" manuals on repairing this model of Astro van. Neither has the slightest thing to say about replacing this handle.

I figured, OK, logically, either I can pry these up or I'll have to get a drill and somehow drill them out. I can't figure any other way to get them out. I have no experience with little button fasteners like these. They don't look like what I think of as rivets.

Anybody know what these **** things are, and how can I remove them, and even more importantly, how I can replace them once I've removed them and taken the handle assembly out and fixed it?

TIA,
astroknot  

Its been years since I had my Astro Van - actually 16 years wow. I dont remember the specific part but they sound like standard body panel gromets (not sure the actual term)

Are they plastic pieces?   - I would start by just trying to pry one out with a flat head screw driver or better yet a Y prying device (like a weed puller basically)

they should just pop out and be some what re-useable - if they are damaged I am sure you can get replacements from Chevrolet or a local auto parts store.

 

If they are rivets you will have to drill them out or they may be studs with nuts on the backside. You might want to pop the door panel off and take a look from the inside.  

Take the door panel off and have a look from the inside

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