Customizing outer door handle? Help.

[Oldschool82]

O.K. I was thinking of trying something a little different with my outer door handles, but don't know what kind of trouble it would be. I would like to remove the stock handle and install a newer more flush type handle. Has anyone done this or have any info, instructions or tips that might help me on this?


I know the first pic is just a pic of a handle cover, but these two styles will give you an idea of what I am thinking of changing over to.

[N2TRUX]

Those won't fit in the stock location. There is not enough depth there. You will need to mount them lower down on the body.

[Panelman55]

Those handles are aslo made to go into a recessed area and not a flush mt. I considered them on my truck but did not want to have to buy the door pockets they mount in. Why not go with smooth and open them with a remote. It would be less work and look good too.

[Oldschool82]

I do love the shaved ,no handle look. but what happens if your remote dies or the hardware takes a crap. I just don't want to be locked out in the cold. That's why I thought about this other option. have a cleaner look, but still have an actual handle. I know I will have to cut into the door to install one of these style. I just don't know how hard it will be to hook it up mechanically and make it functional.

Originally Posted by Panelman55

Those handles are aslo made to go into a recessed area and not a flush mt. I considered them on my truck but did not want to have to buy the door pockets they mount in. Why not go with smooth and open them with a remote. It would be less work and look good too.

[cableguy0]

You always hide a backup manual door popper somewhere under the body in a no handle application. the electronics at this point are pretty solid and stable but most still have a manual over ride.

[cochino12]

Originally Posted by cableguy0

You always hide a backup manual door popper somewhere under the body in a no handle application. the electronics at this point are pretty solid and stable but most still have a manual over ride.

Yep, and you can always add a battery back up to the alarm/keyless so in case of a dead battery the doors will still pop

[Big Port Jimmy 6]

I use a back up cable on all my shaved doors. The handles you would like to use are all linkage type handles. the one on your truck physically pushes the latch. Not an easy problem to overcome. Jay

[Ryan87]

What about something like this.

[Driveway Dreams]

Now that is a good idea. That thing would all but disappear when painted body color. Probably a pretty penny. No price online.

[N2TRUX]

When the 88-98 trucks hit the market, it was a popular fad to integrate the handle (2nd oic) in the 73-87. The only way they would fit the door was to put them below the body line. Just my opinion, but it looked totally out of place.

If you want a door handle that looks cleaner than the 73-87 you could adapt a 67-72 handle. It's the same style but smoother. It does take some work to the handle assembly, but it can be done. I have seen it in person....

[87 chevy silverado]

thats cool

[Oldschool82]

That's pretty cool. Like some one said ...that would be pretty hidden if you painted it the body color. haven't seen those before.

Originally Posted by Ryan87

What about something like this.

[Panelman55]

They look a little Pricey!!!

[Damien]

The '69 to '72 Grand Prix has a similar handle that I have always wanted to put on something. I think a new set runs about $90.

[Driveway Dreams]

Now that is a nice set to remember. Thanks man!

[bigblock73]

That is cool Damien. IMO, to pull off the look with those, you will need the surrounding door skin and reinforcing behind as well...so they sink into the 73-87 door and are structurally sound. I don't think simply slapping those on a truck will look or function too well. Not saying you would do that, just saying you'll need more than just the handles to pull it off.

[Oldschool82]

I wish every thing was peel and stick...lol... You could trick out a truck pretty quick!

[Damien]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

That is cool Damien. IMO, to pull off the look with those, you will need the surrounding door skin and reinforcing behind as well...so they sink into the 73-87 door and are structurally sound. I don't think simply slapping those on a truck will look or function too well. Not saying you would do that, just saying you'll need more than just the handles to pull it off.

I wasn't suggesting that the GP handles could just be slapped on without any fabrication required. I think they may be a lass expensive option to the custom ones shown above. I hate it when you have to call for pricing. It usually means $$$$.

[bigblock73]

"If you have to ask the price, you usually can't afford it"

Isn't that how it goes?

[Damien]

Generally

[Restrorob]

Originally Posted by Oldschool82

I wish every thing was peel and stick...lol... You could trick out a truck pretty quick!

Hmmm..... JC Whitney has alot of that peel-n-stick crap !

[mooseknuckles]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

When the 88-98 trucks hit the market, it was a popular fad to integrate the handle (2nd oic) in the 73-87. The only way they would fit the door was to put them below the body line. Just my opinion, but it looked totally out of place.

If you want a door handle that looks cleaner than the 73-87 you could adapt a 67-72 handle. It's the same style but smoother. It does take some work to the handle assembly, but it can be done. I have seen it in person....

I was thinking of doing this to my '86, I have a 90' gmc parts truck with good door handles. I think they would be too low below the body line ( there too low now as it is) so i've put it off for now, plus you say it looks bad? any pics? Allthough I was thinking of using the newer style tailgate handle to flip mine. Think it would fit nice and flush on the inside of the tailgate?

[JohnC]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

If you want a door handle that looks cleaner than the 73-87 you could adapt a 67-72 handle. It's the same style but smoother. It does take some work to the handle assembly, but it can be done. I have seen it in person....

I would like to see some pics of this.

[nlped]

Those "Kindig" door handles are $595 bare or $650 chrome. Nice lookin', but not for this dude