Door handle woes

Okay guys/gals. You probably don't get this one too often, I've got a bone stock 89 Notchback. Yes, even the stereo. It's in mint condition other than a few minor problems. The main problem that I've got is the drivers side door handle. You have to really crank upward on that thing to get the door to open. Well I took the door apart, and can't see what's going wrong internally. The handles themselves are in great shape, but for some odd reason the drivers side handle has two large screws holding it in, while the passenger side has (factory?) rivets holding the handle in. Passenger door works great. Anyway, hoping you all can help me out- I just got this thing and I work with ricers and the last thing I want them to do is see me climbing into the window- Dukes of Hazzard style....

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89 Notch 5.0 Bone stock
98 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 (rare)
90 VW Jetta diesel (191K miles, 45 MPG)
87 Olds Cutlass
84 Olds Cutlass
87 Bayliner 2250 Cuddy