Not sure if you got it open but I had the problem with the little spring clip broke. I had no tension on the lever so I stuck my key in between the door and body and pulled the lever and opened right up. Did this for awhile till I found a new spring clip.
Finish? What is this "finish" you speak of sir? Dsm's are never complete just temporarily put together.
97 eclipse gone but never forgotten Ill miss you money pit.