Door handle differences - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

KQQL IT · 04-04-2022, 02:01 PM

So I have a 73 GMC built in Fremont.
Probably not relevant, but it maybe.

The back of the door handle is round not open.
I assumed it was a 73 thing, since mentioned to a another squarebody guy.
His 74 are rounded however his 79 isn't.
What gives..

Honest Bob · 04-05-2022, 08:34 AM

As far as I know it was a 73/74 only thing. My 75 are open in the back.

LT7A · 04-05-2022, 12:02 PM

I'm guessing that it was a change to use less material.

KQQL IT · 04-05-2022, 01:28 PM

Was wondering more about the when, the why is pretty obvious.
A friend has another 73 with open door handles.
And a 78 with one of each.
Good news they are interchangeable.

LT7A · 04-06-2022, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KQQL IT

Was wondering more about the when, the why is pretty obvious.

BTW, "what gives" is the question you asked. That's pretty wide open. So maybe just be appreciative when somebody attempts to answer it.

KQQL IT · 04-06-2022, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LT7A

BTW, "what gives" is the question you asked. That's pretty wide open. So maybe just be appreciative when somebody attempts to answer it.

Probably came off like that.
More was curious about years in production.
Because it seems like their isn't any consensus

**special-K** · 04-06-2022, 10:21 AM

I never noticed that. I'd bet it's a 73/74 thing. I wonder if the one on the '78 was original. Or maybe old stock replacement? Replacements on the other '73?

KQQL IT · 04-06-2022, 01:33 PM

Sure feel better opening them.
I bought a rustu door just for the door handle.
Now I need one more for the drivers side of our K5 project

**bhc41051** · 04-06-2022, 07:06 PM

I'm 99.99 percent sure it was 73-74. The only trucks I really pay any attention to are 73-76 and I'm into originality. Kind of like those fussy corvette guys. I've only seen the solid handles on 73-74 but it doesn't surprise to see the newer handles on a 73-74 along with the 77 and up doors, wrong tailgate, clear turn signal lenses, those dumbo style mirrors, bed sides with the gas filler door. The list goes on.

KQQL IT · 04-08-2022, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhc41051

I'm 99.99 percent sure it was 73-74. The only trucks I really pay any attention to are 73-76 and I'm into originality. Kind of like those fussy corvette guys. I've only seen the solid handles on 73-74 but it doesn't surprise to see the newer handles on a 73-74 along with the 77 and up doors, wrong tailgate, clear turn signal lenses, those dumbo style mirrors, bed sides with the gas filler door. The list goes on.

Ha I notice those things too.
But it's often due to what's available.

My '73 is a pieced together mess.
85 doors with the mentioned 73 door handles
84 bed sides and tailgate
On a 73 floor
64-66 dash
98 seat
Aftermarket fenders
Glass hood

purist nightmare!

04-04-2022, 02:01 PM	#1
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,254	Door handle differences So I have a 73 GMC built in Fremont. Probably not relevant, but it maybe. The back of the door handle is round not open. I assumed it was a 73 thing, since mentioned to a another squarebody guy. His 74 are rounded however his 79 isn't. What gives.. Attached Images __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

04-05-2022, 08:34 AM	#2
Honest Bob Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Easton PA Posts: 219	Re: Door handle differences As far as I know it was a 73/74 only thing. My 75 are open in the back. __________________ 1975 GMC C35 - Junk yard survivor. 1986 Pampered Private - M1009

04-05-2022, 12:02 PM	#3
LT7A Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: PNW Posts: 3,620	Re: Door handle differences I'm guessing that it was a change to use less material.

04-05-2022, 01:28 PM	#4
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,254	Re: Door handle differences Was wondering more about the when, the why is pretty obvious. A friend has another 73 with open door handles. And a 78 with one of each. Good news they are interchangeable. __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

04-06-2022, 10:21 AM	#7
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Door handle differences I never noticed that. I'd bet it's a 73/74 thing. I wonder if the one on the '78 was original. Or maybe old stock replacement? Replacements on the other '73? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

04-06-2022, 01:33 PM	#8
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,254	Re: Door handle differences Sure feel better opening them. I bought a rustu door just for the door handle. Now I need one more for the drivers side of our K5 project __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

04-06-2022, 07:06 PM	#9
bhc41051 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Otway OH Posts: 788	Re: Door handle differences I'm 99.99 percent sure it was 73-74. The only trucks I really pay any attention to are 73-76 and I'm into originality. Kind of like those fussy corvette guys. I've only seen the solid handles on 73-74 but it doesn't surprise to see the newer handles on a 73-74 along with the 77 and up doors, wrong tailgate, clear turn signal lenses, those dumbo style mirrors, bed sides with the gas filler door. The list goes on.



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