Since the asphalt "sticky stuff" is so messy, I usually cut the plastic
(razor blade), then use Duct Tape when things go back together. If you
cut so that the door structure is behind the cut, it makes it easier to
tape back together. The asphalt is usually in an inch or so in from the
edges of the door metal structure.
Don't forget to lube the window mechanism while things are apart.
(helps keep the plastic "chains" from breaking, and electric motors (if
you have them) from doing such things as stripping gears or cooking the
window switches.)


On 10/13/2010 7:47 PM, Christopher Muto wrote:
> On 10/13/2010 4:00 AM, Chuck wrote:
>> On 10/11/2010 11:49 AM, Christopher Muto wrote:
>>> My passenger side exterior door handle does not snap back when opened.
>>> It has to be pushed back flush with the door in order for the door to
>>> latch/close properly.
>>> I have tried squirting some WD40 into the latch behind the handle but
>>> that only marginally helped.
>>> If I remove the handle from the door and give it a complete cleaning
>>> will it function normally again or should I look for a replacement?
>>> There is talk about this problem on miata.net but it is unclear if
>>> cleaning is a permanent fix or if people had to replace the spring. If a
>>> spring replacement is the answer where might I get a replacement spring?
>>> Many thanks for your advice.
>>
>> The last one of these I saw turned out to be caused by a broken off pot
>> metal thingy that held one end of the spring. I think that you are going
>> to need to do a little door dis-assembly to really find out what is
>> going on.
>
> Thanks Chuck. It isn't a particularly hard job but it gets messy when
> you lift that plastic vapor barrier because of that tar like glue so I
> don't want to have to go in there twice... will learn from your
> experience and get a spare handle before i go in there. Thanks again.