Looking for door handle ideas - Lateral-g Forums

Roblee67 · #1 10-08-2009, 08:43 PM

Just trying to get some ideas on door handles for my 68 r/s camaro....Body is almost complete, going for a really smooth look, firewall smoothed all marker lights filled front fender splash welded to fenders, cowl and header panels welded to front fenders (no front bumper), rear bumper shortened, shaved, de-chromed and welded to body, no body emblems....
I like the "shaved" door handle look but I dont want to do that...I would like to take the door handles from some thing like an Olds Aurora or similar and use them...I was just wondering if anyone else has done this, and I would like to see some pics if possible before I do it!....also wondering if there is any problem with the hardware, mounting, etc....

Any experieced response or pics would be greatlt appreciated!!!

JRouche · #2 10-08-2009, 09:21 PM

Smooth handles are nice. No handles can be a pain, and IMO, thats not as much of a custom finished look than some nicely integrated handles.

Sounds like you are looking at some american car handles. But dont forget the imports. I like honda. You might want to take a tour through your local junk yard and see some of the flush handles available. I scored my fuel filler door and neck from the scrappy.

Ill suggest taking the entire section of the door handle out if you can. The bucket section and at least two inches of door sheetmetal with it. Then when you get the entire works back home trim the door sheetmetal of the donor up perfectly and make a template to cut out the hole on your door. Take more of the donor's door sheetmetal home with you than you think you will need. JR

These are pretty smooth. But you dont want that. You dont want to do the work or just would still like to have handles?? I get that really.

And here is what I meant about taking alot of the donors metal. A handle will have the bucket, just like a fuel filler door. Then you have lots of extra sheetmetal to play with. A door handle will be similar to this install.

You have to match the curves of your door and adjust the curves of the donor.

Then for the mechanicals of the door latch.. A easy fix is to use a bearclaw. They are really strong but smooth latches. Compared to the old stuff thats on the cars. There are prolly better solusions. But for the cost, strength and ease of installation they are pretty good. JR

Roblee67 · #3 10-09-2009, 07:31 PM

Thanks for the pics...Really like the fuel door...but as you said, I really dont like the shaved handles and I do want handles, just want to flush mount them...I plan on going to the salvage yard next week to look around, and cut some out if I find what i'm after...thanks!

Can you explain "bearclaw"...?

SWAPMEETCRAZY · #4 10-09-2009, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roblee67

Thanks for the pics...Really like the fuel door...but as you said, I really dont like the shaved handles and I do want handles, just want to flush mount them...I plan on going to the salvage yard next week to look around, and cut some out if I find what i'm after...thanks!

Can you explain "bearclaw"...?

Will try to take pics tomorrow of a set i have from a 2 dr mid ninety's honda civic--was going to use them on the 68 truck i'm doing but going shaved now --cut them out with extra metal-really like the way they flush--will post pics tomorrow --may sell these reasonable and save u the trip!!! jim

elitecustombody · #5 10-09-2009, 09:33 PM

look into first gen miata handles,very small,heavy duty metal handles,just need to blast the chrome off ,weld the key hole and powdercoated before paint

Neki67 · #6 10-10-2009, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elitecustombody

look into first gen miata handles,very small,heavy duty metal handles.

Just what I was about to say . . .

SWAPMEETCRAZY · #7 10-10-2009, 09:06 AM

Here's the handles i was talking about-----stock they are about 3/16 out from flush--but that can be reduced with a little tweaking!!! jim

SWAPMEETCRAZY · #8 10-10-2009, 09:10 AM

Forgot to mention my favorite part of these is the forward action of handle instead of raising up!! real smooth look and action!! After thinking about it these may be off an accord--i know it was a 2 door--4 door was different-spent lots of time looking!!

peace --jim

elitecustombody · #9 10-10-2009, 11:37 AM

92-95 civic

JRouche · #10 10-10-2009, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roblee67

Can you explain "bearclaw"...?

Bear Claw door latches. They are a pretty decent latch for old cars that have old and stiff mechanisms. If your latches slide freely then you may not need them. On my 62 the latches were pretty well shot. Very stiff and not all that responsive. The BCs are supper strong and dont take ANY effort to trigger them. Works good with a new handle. Light pull and they open. And closing takes minimal effort. And they are a two position latch, just like production. So if the door is not closed all the way they are still latched firmly.. JR

http://www.thehoffmangroup.com/autol...odinc=bearclaw