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Door handles
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 668
Likes: 26
From: Wadsworth Ohio
Door handles
Has anyone used the cheap outside door handles for 69-82 doors and if so what did you think of them? I hate to spend the big difference if the cheap ones are ok and fit and work good. Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
Likes: 4,389
From: Westminster Maryland
I've looked at them. They look cheap to my eye. The flapper is cut poorly and doesn't match the shape of the bezel. The flapper is also quite wavy, not smooth. The chrome on some of them is pretty bad too, but that varies from handle to handle.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
Likes: 4,389
From: Westminster Maryland
I've looked at them. They look cheap to my eye. The flapper is cut poorly and doesn't match the shape of the bezel. The flapper is also quite wavy, not smooth. The chrome on some of them is pretty bad too, but that varies from handle to handle.
Regards,
Alan
Regards,
Alan
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 83
Likes: 2
From: Cramerton NC
I have one on my passengers side door. If I had it to do over again, Id go ahead and spend the $$$ for the OEM flapper. Yes, it does work but there is definately a difference in fit, finish, function, and overall quality.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 43
Likes: 5
From: hammonton nj
t-top...i just got my 80 painted and put in the cheaper aftermarket handles and i am kicking myself. apparently they were not shaped correctly where they meet the body. i tightened them down and i saw a little bit of gap here and there between the bezel and body but i ignored it. then the next day i had cracks in my new paint around the handles. there were a few choice words spoken in my garage that day...get a good set...cs
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
In the ten years I have had my car, I have replaced the handles twice. First time I used the cheap ones. The driver's lasted about a year and a half and the passenger's lasted about two. They actually broke where the spring mounted. Second time I used the GM parts. That was 5 years ago and they still feel brand new.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
Seems everyone else already answered, and I agree with everyone. I have heard so many horror stories about cheap handles I went with the OEM GM ones when it came time. I dont want to have to install those bastages twice (well, really four times since there is one on each side, you know what I mean).