The door is a one piece panel and thanks for the info on window crank removal. the arm rest is a two piece with about four clips and can be removed by carefully prying the top half with a large flatblade screwdriver. To save time and avoid fustration,first attach the handle assy to the rod then maneuver the door handle assembly thru the hole of the door panel
Notes of interest: After completing the job,found the open door lever did not completly retract and was protruding about 1/2 in.(this was the first indication of a problem before the entire door assembly shattered)
Removed everything again and screwed on the door handle assy to the metal door frame (door panel off)
Did several door openings and the lever of the assy sometimes did not retract at all. Traced the rod to the
the inside open door mechanism and saw signs of corrosion, could not not reach the area to grease, so with
a oil can with flex nozzzle saturated the are with oil. Door handle assy works fine now