It's official then, [Craby] you're my hero! (love having gurus in this world). Once the door panel was off it was only mildly "contortionist" to get a rubber band in there and wrap it, (and then wrap it again and again about 8 times until it felt tight).

Wanted to add a link to the full post as it includes other details, part numbers and links to information on removing the door panel. Link to original post with pre-required details

Detail on removing the door panel

Part #'s (door rod clip - left side 16627328, right side 16607593)

Glad GM provided enough of an access area to reach up there. Normally they seem to design things so that once the car is out of warranty repairs are impossible. I was hoping the absence of such a clip wouldn't mean my car was totaled. Thanks Craby!
Found them on RockAuto.com too 15 Pack for $7.80!! (first saw ¢.52 ea and got pretty stoked) Sadly that's either left or right side but I guess if I go that way I'm covered for life. (Dorman part though, not GM - hmmmm)

Then I thought, call the Buick dealer around the corner and BINGO - $2.00 in stock! (last one on the shelf).
So decided to enhance the product part photo, was so washed out, hard to see but now I see the part, what broke off and how it works.

Door panel removed

Inside the view hole (on top photo has some gray primer around it, good for viewing the latch area) - Just reached up with the band and started twisting it on there but I want to get a real fix in there asap and re-assemble the door panel. Good project for me. I'll see if I can get a photo in there of the rigged fix before I get the replacement part in there.

Thanks again for finding that part, I wasn't even sure what to look for or where to start.

tags: Door Handle Broken loose disconnected 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

 

Definitely a winner here, found the official GM replacement part at a Buick Dealer around the corner for $2. (un-officially the least expensive part sold by a dealership ever, anywhere**) Part # are left side 16627328, right side 16607593


My previous rubber band solution was working fine but no telling when the band would wear out and I'd embarrassingly need to admit the truth that older cars do this thing I call "falling apart for no reason" - craby, you asked, here 'tis.

Next step (for anyone who needs to do this) is note that you have to put the plastic retainer through the hole before placing the rod into the retainer. Otherwise the clip won't compress (which is why it won't fall out after you assemble it)

Then insert the horizontal bend of the rod (a little contortion here but not too bad)

and flip the retainer down so it snugly holds the vertical part of the rod. If we need to show you that, you probably didn't successfully remove the door panel.
Special cautions then: Taking the door hardware apart and re-assembling it was the most challenging part to me. Really felt like something might "snap" but I was very gentle and careful and the "Chevy Gods" loved on me today so nothing broke. That said, actually the clip inside of the panel which holds the switch illumination lamp did crack. A little super-glue worked to repair it but be careful with that. Getting the door lock slider cover back on was one of the more time-consuming aspects, gentle persistence lavishly applied. The whole thing probably took me 45~60 minutes or less mostly from not knowing what I'm doing. Could probably be a 25 minute job if you're good.

One more thing, I'm going to add a photo as there was one part (like the missing sock our wives deal with) that was left over after the door was re-assembled. Some type of little metal clip. I'll add a photo of that soon to see who knows what that might be and why I may need to care. Thanks for all your Help Craby! (You da Man!)