Outer Door Handles
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
Outer Door Handles
Most corvette vendors sell outer door handles. What is the difference between the import handles ($18) and the more expensive $68+ handles and how can one tell the difference between the two when looking at them side to side. Will any of the vendors please post both handles side by side and point out the visual differences.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,202
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
I agree that the more expensive handles are worth the extra money on most cars.
The less expensive handles don't have very good chrome plating preparation, and the shape of the 'flipper' is pretty roughly cut and doesn't match the shape of the surround.
Regards,
Alan
When you see the two together it's easy to see the difference. It depends whether it matters to you or not.
I agree that the more expensive handles are worth the extra money on most cars.
The less expensive handles don't have very good chrome plating preparation, and the shape of the 'flipper' is pretty roughly cut and doesn't match the shape of the surround.
Regards,
Alan
When you see the two together it's easy to see the difference. It depends whether it matters to you or not.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,652
Likes: 3,110
From: Shamong, NJ
The Trim Part ones are made in the US using the original GM molds. As Alan said, the shape of the "flipper" is dead on on the Trim Parts one, unlike the import. The overall quality of the Trim Part one is superior to the import.
What are your plans for the car? If it's a 100 point or NCRS type restoretion, you need the Trim Parts ones. If your putting a car together to flip, or if you tend to keep your cars only a few years and then replace them, save some money and buy the imports.
You can still get handles from Chevrolet, but they run about $200 each. I don't think they are still made by GM, but instead just old inventory that GM has around.
Not that it's all that much fun to replace them, but at about $20 each for the imports, even if they go bad, you can replace them 3 times, for the price of a single Trim Part handle.
What are your plans for the car? If it's a 100 point or NCRS type restoretion, you need the Trim Parts ones. If your putting a car together to flip, or if you tend to keep your cars only a few years and then replace them, save some money and buy the imports.
You can still get handles from Chevrolet, but they run about $200 each. I don't think they are still made by GM, but instead just old inventory that GM has around.
Not that it's all that much fun to replace them, but at about $20 each for the imports, even if they go bad, you can replace them 3 times, for the price of a single Trim Part handle.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
I went through this debate 5 years ago when I painted my car. I bought the more expensive handles because I only wanted to do it once, and I don't regret it at all. They still look and function as brand new.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
I would like to purchase the "better quality" door handles. The reason I ask this question is b/c if the vendors choose to be unscrupulous.....what would prevent them from selling the cheap ones for the price of the more expensive ones. Or they could make a mistake and charge customers the expensive handles and ship the cheapies. That is why I'm asking how can one tell the difference. I'm not sure if I can. I do have an LH import but I'm unsure if my vehicle has the originals on it.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,652
Likes: 3,110
From: Shamong, NJ
I would like to purchase the "better quality" door handles. The reason I ask this question is b/c if the vendors choose to be unscrupulous.....what would prevent them from selling the cheap ones for the price of the more expensive ones. Or they could make a mistake and charge customers the expensive handles and ship the cheapies. That is why I'm asking how can one tell the difference. I'm not sure if I can. I do have an LH import but I'm unsure if my vehicle has the originals on it.
I doubt any of the national Corvette vendors would try to swap the imports for the Trim Part ones. If in doubt though, buy them direct from Trim Parts, they only sell their own.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,202
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
I think the easiest way to tell is by looking at the 'flapper'. On the Trim Parts handles the shape of the 'flapper' matches very well the shape of the surrounding bezel.
Interestingly the original production line handles didn't have the silver paint that d mentions. So some people buy the Trim Part handles and remove the paint. I know.... that would be a very silly person.
Regards,
Alan
I think the easiest way to tell is by looking at the 'flapper'. On the Trim Parts handles the shape of the 'flapper' matches very well the shape of the surrounding bezel.
Interestingly the original production line handles didn't have the silver paint that d mentions. So some people buy the Trim Part handles and remove the paint. I know.... that would be a very silly person.
Regards,
Alan
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Middleburg Florida
Hi,
I think the easiest way to tell is by looking at the 'flapper'. On the Trim Parts handles the shape of the 'flapper' matches very well the shape of the surrounding bezel.
Interestingly the original production line handles didn't have the silver paint that d mentions. So some people buy the Trim Part handles and remove the paint. I know.... that would be a very silly person.
Regards,
Alan
I think the easiest way to tell is by looking at the 'flapper'. On the Trim Parts handles the shape of the 'flapper' matches very well the shape of the surrounding bezel.
Interestingly the original production line handles didn't have the silver paint that d mentions. So some people buy the Trim Part handles and remove the paint. I know.... that would be a very silly person.
Regards,
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,202
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi d,
I believe that on 70-72 cars there wasn't any paint on the inside of the bezel. It certainly could have changed sometime after that. Wouldn't that be a surprise!!!!
Regards,
Alan
I believe that on 70-72 cars there wasn't any paint on the inside of the bezel. It certainly could have changed sometime after that. Wouldn't that be a surprise!!!!
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
Most corvette vendors sell outer door handles. What is the difference between the import handles ($18) and the more expensive $68+ handles and how can one tell the difference between the two when looking at them side to side. Will any of the vendors please post both handles side by side and point out the visual differences.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
I bought the cheap ones a few years ago but have not noticed the difference in shape. The chrome finish is wavy, which at first bothered me. To be honest, I don't even notice anymore.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 275
Likes: 6
From: NY
It's pretty easy to tell the Trim Part ones from the imports. The Trim Part ones have the original GM part number cast into the handle assembly, while the imports only have a rough looking "L" or "R" cast into the underside.
I doubt any of the national Corvette vendors would try to swap the imports for the Trim Part ones. If in doubt though, buy them direct from Trim Parts, they only sell their own.
I doubt any of the national Corvette vendors would try to swap the imports for the Trim Part ones. If in doubt though, buy them direct from Trim Parts, they only sell their own.
