I've been noticing a lot of older cars that have had their original door handles replaced with flush-mounted late model handles. I particularly liked a set that were pretty much oval and had the top half pull up to release. Owner wasn't around to ask, but I think I've seen similar hardware on Hondas/Acuras.

2 questions...has anyone done this kind of modification or know what's involved? How would I make paint stick to door handles or would I be stuck with chrome as my only option?

SKIP

Sure have.

1.First you need the door handle and also the door skin section that the handle sits in because of the recessed metal etc.

Then weld your handle section into the original door skin.

The hard part is reworking the door latch. Because now your NEW handle opens the door with a lifting motion were the OLD handle used a pushing motion to open it.

You have a few options, rework the original latch or find a latch from a different model of car or truck that uses ALL the same motions you need.

Try looking at the latches from a 98-04 300M. Am only guessing they work all too easily, plus they have built in power door locks. But its all a guess :D ...Eric

anybody know if the new (97-03) malibu handles are the same as the C5 vette handles? they look similar.

The door handles ALL share the same OUTSIDE look and dimensions. Same from 97 up Grand prix, malibu, imp, Buicks, Bonneville etc. The difference in the handles is on the BACKSIDE of the handle. The malibu and impala have a real meaty back were the Pontiacs, Buciks have a nice slim design.

The slim design makes them easier to remove and also fit in the chevelle door as the top brace that supports the skin is every close and the malibu handles hit the brace were the buick hadles dont.

The best skin section to get would be from a buick century, lesabre or the new style grand prix(03-04) as they have a curve that very closely matches the curve on a 70.

The Imp you would NOT want to use as it has body line going right throu the skin section. The malibu section will work but will need to sightly bend it match.

Have no idea if the vette handles are the same.

But can tell you that a BRAND NEW buick handle is around 25 bucks from GM and the vette handle is MORE. But again am only guessing as I think the swap would look stupid smile.gif

But can tell you that a BRAND NEW buick handle is around 25 bucks from GM and the vette handle is MORE. But again am only guessing as I think the swap would look stupid Is this referring to the general idea of grafting "new" handles onto "classic" cars? Or is it something about those specific handles?

Also...second question was about chrome vs. a durable color coat on these handles. Do I just have 'em painted with the rest of the EC or does it require special paint or powdercoating or something?

Thanks,

SKIP

Just sand and paint, no special coatings or powder coat...Eric

Skip Ive done a few door handle swaps, mostly on S10 trucks. On my current project 70 chevelle I used the rear door handles from a 99 Pontiac Bonneville. I used the rear because they contain no lock cylinder. Like I said the before ALL GM door handles of this style all share the same dimensions, they swap back and forth, but the backside of handles are different.

After several months of looking and making templates I found that the skin profile from the Buick Lesabre(98-04)matches the profile on a 70 almost to a TEE.

I asked a ceratin someone from San Fran ;) if he ever comes across this skin if he could cut it for me. The skin sections I got were from a 04 Grand prix I believe, which match darn good too.

My idea to modify the latch motion was at first to use a cable system. The interior door handles on 97-98 F150 use a cable that is the perfect length. But then found that the latch from a 98-04 300m, LHS and Concorde would be easier. As it pretty much bolts in, but now you have modify the striker.

This is what I did to install late model GM handles in a 70. Installing something from a honda would be different but still contain the same basic steps.

Thanks. Sounds precise but doable. I've been looking at a lot of door handles these last couple of days and made the discovery about the back door having no keyhole. I'll keep an eye out for the GM products you mentioned. Sounds like it worked well for you. I'm not married to the idea of any particular type...just generally like the smoother look. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

SKIP

Skip,

Keep us posted if you do go through with it. I agree that it is a cool look, and I would like to see how it turns out.

Sure, I'll let you know.

SKIP

Somethings came to mind today, a minor correction, the 99-03 F150 and Superduty use the cable on the interior door handle.

Also check out the latches from a mid to late 80's Buick lesabre etc. Those latches would also work pretty darn good. They have ALL the same motions you need and also it will work on the stock striker.

Any of the mentioned methods will work pretty slick, I just kept changing my mind when I found something that would work a tad easier.

But my best advice is study and KNOW excatly how that stock latch works. Knowing how it works is the true key to making the swap work.

Cool thanks.

SKIP ;)