Replace Door Handle

Purchased new handle part #1801
Managed to get interior "choke cover" (part #1804) removed from door with minimal tab damage
This gives open access to top screw of door handle, bottom screw is hidden within door assembly (part #1800 on diagram)
Is there a simple trick to separate the inner steel door section from the outer plastic/glass part? I can pry the plastic tabbed areas away from the metal door section 1 or 2 or even 3 at a time (with a helper) - but the parts do not seem inclined to separate.