How do you remove the access hole panel on the drivers side door of a 1986 Toyota Tercel to get at the inside of the exterior door handle for removal?

Answer 1

Wind the window down (not totally vital, but makes it easier), remove all the inside hardware (door handle, window crank - need to push off a clip) and pry out the panel at the bottom. There's a dozen or so plastic pins that are inserted into the door and need to be (gently and straight out) released. The top of the interior panel is under the black window edge "rubber" and needs to be released by pushing the rubber in while lifting the interior panel. The door lock knob can be pushed down at the same time and you'll be holding the interior panel. The exterior latch mechanism is held on by two short (10mm socket) bolts. The forward one is accessible (after winding the window back up) and the aft one can be reached thru a hole that is covered by a stick-on patch.

You are probably doing this because the latch (which has been sticky for a while) has come apart at the pivot. The pivot socket will be cracked and is not repairable.