1998 Toyota Corolla door handles

I suspect other Corollas plastic door handles are breaking also and require replacement. I have replaced both front inside and outside handles which are keyed. Now I have ordered inside and outsied door handles for the left rear door. I have removed the inside panel but find that I can not get the old one out as the bolts are not accessable. It appears that I will have to drill a 1" hole to access the left bolt? Seems like an awful design to me. am I missing something? any advise is apreciated.
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