outer door handle rep or gm?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 303
Likes: 28
From: los angeles ca
outer door handle rep or gm?
I purchased a reproduction outer left door handle and it has a huge gap between the handle and the housing. Does not match the original right handle at all. Does the GM handle have the same gap as the old handle? Before I send it back and get the GM one I want to know if it will match.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
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From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Re: outer door handle rep or gm? (MCMLXIX)
The GM handles are better/higher quality than the repro's. Can't envision what gap you're speaking of, as all of the repro and original handles I've seen have the "flapper" fit nicely within the housing. The repro's have a poorer quality chrome, and a different hinge design.
I'd go with the GM handles, as replacing door handles is a miserable little job, and I'd rather do it once and not worry about it. :) Chuck
I'd go with the GM handles, as replacing door handles is a miserable little job, and I'd rather do it once and not worry about it. :) Chuck
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,253
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From: Rochester Kent
Re: outer door handle rep or gm? (Chuck Gongloff)
I'd go with the GM handles, as replacing door handles is a miserable little job, and I'd rather do it once and not worry about it. :) Chuck
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 303
Likes: 28
From: los angeles ca
Re: outer door handle rep or gm? (Chuck Gongloff)
The repro handle I got from zip has clearance for the flapper on the window side of almost 1/4 inch, the originale handle has about 1/16 inch clearance. Does the GM handle replacement have a small gap from the flapper to the housing like the original? The chrome on the repro is fine. I just dont like the uneven gap from the moveable handle to the housing it sits in. Does the GM replacement handle have an even gap all the way around the moveable handle to the frame surounding it, like the originale handle? Or should I find a used handle to match the one on the right door?
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Re: outer door handle rep or gm? (MCMLXIX)
I've heard the GM replacements are also "imported" now, my advice is buy one and return it if you are not satisfied.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
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From: Chattanooga TN
Re: outer door handle rep or gm? (Pauld)
I'd go with the GM handles, as replacing door handles is a miserable little job, and I'd rather do it once and not worry about it. :) Chuck
:iagree:
:iagree:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Auburndale Florida
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'07-'09
Re: outer door handle rep or gm? (MCMLXIX)
I replaced my door handles with "Trim Parts" brand from the Last Detial in Atlanta. Good fit, good chrome....an authorized GM restoation parts company :cheers:
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 518
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From: oh
Re: outer door handle rep or gm? (MCMLXIX)
I ordered the imported aftermarket handles, opened the box and sent them right back.
Not only was there an excessive gap between the flapper and housing, the corner radii of the flapper was squared off and didn't flow with the housing profile..............junk!
I have an original from my '69 chrome is not bad...no pitting....free to good home.
Jeff
[Modified by 3joh, 2:30 PM 4/16/2004]
Not only was there an excessive gap between the flapper and housing, the corner radii of the flapper was squared off and didn't flow with the housing profile..............junk!
I have an original from my '69 chrome is not bad...no pitting....free to good home.
Jeff
[Modified by 3joh, 2:30 PM 4/16/2004]
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
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From: Living in the Hartland
Re: outer door handle rep or gm? (3joh)
I ordered the aftermarket handles, opened the box and sent them right back.
Not only was there an excessive gap between the flapper and housing, the corner radii of the flapper was squared off and didn't flow with the housing profile..............junk!
I have an original from my '69 chrome is not bad...no pitting....free to good home.
Jeff
Not only was there an excessive gap between the flapper and housing, the corner radii of the flapper was squared off and didn't flow with the housing profile..............junk!
I have an original from my '69 chrome is not bad...no pitting....free to good home.
Jeff
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Re: outer door handle rep or gm? (Fevre)
I also bought GM replacements from The Last Detail. I wanted to avoid the import issues so I did not even consider the imports.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,943
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From: Florham Park NJ Port Credit Ontario
Re: outer door handle rep or gm? (Chuck Gongloff)
replacing door handles is a miserable little job, and I'd rather do it once and not worry about it. :) Chuck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 32
From: Damascus MD
Re: outer door handle rep or gm? (Stewart's74)
Always spend the extra and do it once!
The repro parts are never, never the same fit and/or quality as the originals.
Will they work? Maybe. Why take the chance. I am on my second GM restoration and frankly do not have a lot of good things to say about the most repro parts.
My first was a 68 GTO ragtop and now I am on to a 70 Roadster.
Have fun!!
The repro parts are never, never the same fit and/or quality as the originals.
Will they work? Maybe. Why take the chance. I am on my second GM restoration and frankly do not have a lot of good things to say about the most repro parts.
My first was a 68 GTO ragtop and now I am on to a 70 Roadster.
Have fun!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 303
Likes: 28
From: los angeles ca
Re: outer door handle rep or gm? (3joh)
Jeff,
I would be interested in your handle. Is it left or right side? I need left but maybe I could use use the springs to repair mine. A used handle would match the other door better. A new shiny handle on one door and a 35 year old one on the other door just looks wrong. I would gladly pay for shipping, handling, time and trouble. I promise my door is a good home for your handle it will recieve good care and be taken out daily for exersize.
Thanks
I would be interested in your handle. Is it left or right side? I need left but maybe I could use use the springs to repair mine. A used handle would match the other door better. A new shiny handle on one door and a 35 year old one on the other door just looks wrong. I would gladly pay for shipping, handling, time and trouble. I promise my door is a good home for your handle it will recieve good care and be taken out daily for exersize.
Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 158
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From: rancho santa margarita, ca
Re: outer door handle rep or gm? (MCMLXIX)
I'm actually taking on this project myself right now.... Can anyone offer some advice on how to get the old handles off once the door panel is removed?
-Mike
-Mike
