I'm trying to replace my exterior door handles on my '92 Integra because the springs rusted. There is a vertical rod that connects to the trailing end of the exterior handle that I cannot seem to get loose. Looking at the attached figure, the rod conects into part 27 which seems to be treaded on my replacement handle. How do you get that rod out?

Also any suggestions reattaching the two bolts that hold the handle to the door. The leading one is almost impossible to reach because of the window.

Thanks Much
Integra Owner since year 2 of production