I'm a new member, and I'm sure someone has thought of this before, but here goes.
A few days ago my replacement passenger door lock arrived so I set about changing it and investigating my disconnected door handle rod. Having removed the window glass, speaker and rear window runner I took out the two little bolts that hold the door handle and discovered it was broken where the rod and little rubber fit in. Not having a replacement handy I looked for a way to repair it. I cut a slot with a hacksaw and inserted a steel washer with the correct diameter hole in it. I then drilled through the plastic and the washer, and secured it with a small self tapping screw. I inserted the rubber retainer and the rod, and wire locked it for good measure and reassembled the door. I have opened and closed it 40-50 times since, and all seems fine. I hopes this helps someone with the same problem, and would like to thank the members who gave me kind advice on access to the lock .

 

Nice thinking.