Don't know about ford, But there is a difference between a 55 and 56 Merc.  The slot that hold the spring clip in the 55 has a sholder on it, that make use of the standard tool very hard to use.  I solved this problem by modifying the slots with a hacksaw blade and  cut down the shoulders on the 55. Tool works great and easy now. 

A body shop friend recomended a old nylon stocking just slide it back there  and pull back and forth. Pulls them clips out each time. Gerry

Lake Forest California  5th inf 77 Armor Div. VN 68/69

If you put your town and state in your signature

help might be closer than you think.

Just my two cents - I have removed quite a few of the 55 and 56 door and window handles. The tools describe will work well as long as your retaining clip is still in good condition. I have had much success using the tool and a dental pic. These things are small and very, very strong!

Dan

Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com

Ron: If the clips are the same as a 57, one of those cheap after market black removers should work. Push in from the long side of the handle, not from the offside. Sometimes the plastic washer inside may be previously installed incorrectly & the little flange on it may give you some trouble. Be patient! In one case I used two removers at once as they are rather thin & have a tendency to miss the clip. Hope this explanation helps. (?)        

Paul

When I took of the handles on my 54, I learned that you have to hold the tool right up against the handle. I got the usual tool (harbor freight special I think) and it worked for me.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Thought I would break down and buy the $8.00 tool to quickly remove inside handles so I could replace door skins and upholstery.....NOT! After finally getting one handle off (not until I ripped panel apart) I saw that the tool had too small an opening to push spring off. After some modification with tin snips was able to get the window crank off but so far have failed to remove anything from the other doors....anyone have a better idea? the skins are reusable on the other doors (so far) and I would like to keep them that way. Thanks 

P.S....why do these ten minute projects take hours and hours, is it just me?