That was the case on my 53 and the previous owner had drilled thru the screw hole in the handle and thru the splined shaft and inserted a nail. I didn't know until trying to pry the handle off (after trying other means) I actually broke off a piece of the splined shaft.
If you do change posts remember there are two kinds. One for the doors without vent windows (47-50) and one for the later years. The number of teeth differ.
