It appears that it does not have to come off but I've also discovered that whoever removed the lock originally, (it was missing when I got the car), had no idea what they were doing and the result is a messed up inner door panel and no locking clip or lever for the cylinder as well as no clip for the rod to cylinder lever. The dummies also decided that the moisture barrier was optional, good thing this car stays inside! Now I have to figure out which parts will interchange with an 85 Fiero, This really sucks!
[This message has been edited by BrittB (edited 01-26-2014).]