[khgeisler]

I doubt that handle was OEM. It looks to me like the original handle was replaced as evidenced by the rectangular backing plate. That is not original. That skin is aluminum plate on my door not plywood.

My guess is that if you remove the rectangular plate you are going to find holes where the original handle was attached. You can then decide how to proceed.

I think the dragging door has caused the failed handle. Repeated pulls inward to shut the door could have led to the handle pulling out. I might look into riv nuts for attachment rather than sheet metal screws into the aluminum.

When you fix the bottom stainless trim piece, the door should shut like a bank vault. Thunk.

And you may be very familiar with the product, but maybe not. I painted the frame steel under the stainless with POR 15. I figured it was a moisture area and wanted to protect the steel from corroding again. Caution, don’t get that stuff on anything you don’t want it on including your hands. Impossible to remove after it cures.

One more quick thread. http://newellgurus.com/showthread.php?tid=6005

I removed the small alum. plate.  No holes, just double sided tape.  WEIRD.  The Alum. skin has a wall paper on it that has been painted to spruce it up.  I am not sure what is holding on the alum skin.  I WD-40 the latch mechanism and the door has been closing like a bank vault, no issues.  I will look into lower section, it is on my list, just AC, steering, windshield, lights, Rad fan pump leak have been a higher priority so far.  Windshield done, and its in the shop for the leaky pump and steering inspection.