The outer handle on the drivers side won't open the door.  The inside
handle works fine.

The panel is off and the rubber seal is pulled back.

The rod from the handle to the latch moves but not enough to trip the
catch.

It's either bent or worn, but how could it have become bent?

It looks like the whole latch mechanism must come out.  It's fastened
in with pop-rivets.

I'm on a tight budget and the kids need to eat.  Is there some way I
can fix this without drilling the rivets out?

Thanks for any help anyone can give me on this matter.

Peg