[Superhart]

This may get a bit complicated but here goes. The door handle shaft is indeed square but towards the inner end of the handle it is machined round for approximately 1/2 inch and the very far end of the shaft is square again BUT at a 45 degree angle from the plane of the proximal part of the shaft. It was done this way to prevent someone from easily removing the handle unless they understood how it was made in the first place. That's why after removing the door handle screws you need to pull the handle out slightly and rotate it an eighth turn to the left to allow that rotated end of the square shaft to pass through the latch. If I recall correctly, I had to rotate the passenger side handle an eighth turn to the right to remove it (same way you would turn handle to open the door). After so many years there may be built up gunk, etc. accumulated on the end of the handle shaft that has hardened thus preventing easy removal. Some WD-40 may help sprayed on the latch/handle shaft. It takes some luck and finagling to get it out but you will succeed if you keep at it. Put the latch screws back in to secure the latch making sure that the small loop of latch spring that popped up behind the latch is tucked back inside the inside the door frame so the latch will sit flush. Once you get the handle and latch removed you will readily see why and how the pieces fit together and require that eighth turn to remove. Have fun and no cussing allowed. LOL