Need to know how to replace the exterior door handle on a 1997 ford thunderbird.

You will need to pull the door trim panel off and check inside for the extent of the damage and what parts are needed.

Firstly, check whether it's physical or electronic, that way you know where you're starting from. You may need to remove the back panel of the door. (Make a note of how it came off!) You may now be able to follow the linkage from the door catch all the way back to the operating handle. The car's old, so it won't be operating on a wireless protocol, you're just looking for wires or a series of little rods. Is everything intact.giving an uninterrupted run from handle to catch? If not then just reattach as best you can and test it. If it's wires that have come disconnected and reconnecting them doesn't work then the fault's more fundamental and you may need a specialist. If it's physical links which are the problem then you should be able to sort out if anything is bust. Getting a replacement could be tricky with a car as old as this. Consider going to a specialist or if you're very enthusiastic AND skilful consider making the replacements yourself.
Finally don't forget to put the back panel onto the door.

using a "slim-Jim" any tow truck guy could open it.

You will have to remove the door panel. To do this use a phillips screwdriver and remove the two screws under the inside door handle. Then lift and remove the section. Remove another screw from the interior lower left corner. Pry the window crank apart "if exists" then use a T20 torq bit to remove the screw in handle. Remove the panel by lifting and pulling at same time. With window in up position you can see inside the hole a rod going from the door handle to a bracket with a Yellow clip. Slide the clip to the open position and pull the rod out of the clip. From the outside of door under the handle there are two rivets. Use a punch and knock out the center of each rivet. Then use a 1/4" drill bit and drill out the rivet. A flat tip screwdriver will be used to knock off the rest of the rivet. You will need two flat head screws and lock nuts or to reinstall the handle. Lift out old handle with attached rod. Twist rod as you pull to remove it and install it into the new handle. Place the rod through the hole and look inside to be sure is will move to the location of the yellow clip.Install the screws from the outside and the nuts from the inside and tighten. From inside connect the rod to the yellow clip. Lift on the rod while closing the clip. Then test door handle. If it doesn't work properly the rod was not lifted or pulled outward enough. Redo that step until you get it right. Reinstall inner panel as removed.

there is no part that i am aware of that is called a "CROSS DOCK" so to help you with this problem we need to know the correct name of the part, contact Ford parts and ID the part with the correct name

GO TO YOUR DEALER

Order the exterior door handle AND the clip that attaches the rod to the exterior handle from your local dealership ( any part in the salvage yard will have at least as much wear as the one U are replacing ) Also order a can of touch up paint matching your car. After you have the parts and have painted the new exterior handle, roll down the window and remove the interior door panel. ( instructions have been posted at 'replace door lock buttom' ) Two nuts, one on each side, hold the broken handle in place and must be removed ( DON'T loose them ). Loosen the rod from the clip at the top to allow a bit more room, But take note on the way it is attached ( you will need to reattach the rod to new handle ) To install new mechanism put the new clip on the rod, carefully place the gasket and the new handle in place and install nuts to secure. Test the door handle and make sure it works. Reinstall interior door panel.

Two 10mm bolts, or nuts, hold the handle on from inside the door. dont forget to remove actuating rod from old handle. probably clip is broke also.

SECTION 501-14: Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems 2001 Escape Workshop Manual REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Exterior Front Door Handle Removal and Installation

1. Remove the front door trim panel. For additional information, refer to Section 501-05 .

1. Position the watershield aside.

1. NOTE: The tie strap does not need to be reinstalled.
   If equipped, remove the tie strap from the anti-theft guard.

1. Remove the screws and position the anti-theft guard aside.

1. Release the clip and disconnect the exterior door handle actuating rod.

1. Remove the anti-theft guard.

1. Remove the exterior door handle screw.

1. Remove the exterior handle actuating rod.

1. Remove the exterior door handle lock cylinder cover.

1. Remove the exterior door handle.

You will need to remove the door panel to gain access to the handle. Roll the window up or down as needed to get to the nuts that attach the handle to the door. You will also need to remove a rod the goes to the door lock. You will see the rod after the door panel is removed. Good luck.