Swapping exterior door handles for?

by Bruisr Wed Jan 16, 2013 11:29 pm

I've been contemplating cutting and grafting exterior door handles from a 1991 GMC pickup to my chevelle. Has anyone done this or know of a better steup? The idea I'm after is to have some flush mounted door handles. Also, the truck has a blown engine and haven't decided to repair or part out.

by Biomedtech Wed Jan 16, 2013 11:50 pm

They did something similar on Spike TV with their Blue Collar Buick. Here's a link to the episode...

Blue Collar Buick Door Handles

by alleyball4 Thu Jan 17, 2013 12:53 am

just make sure you measure everything up right before you go cutting a hole in your door. My buddy was off on his and ended up having to scrap the door.

I can't wait to see what it will look like, I've never seen it done on a chevelle. I have only seen shaved doors.

by BicknellWelding Thu Jan 17, 2013 10:26 am

I've had quite a few of those trucks. Never found the 88-98 chevy door handles to be very reliable. Probably replaced a drivers handle at least once on every truck. Although they're pretty cheap to replace.
$.02

by Brainstain Thu Jan 17, 2013 11:17 am

^ Exactly what I was thinking. Those handles are not what I would pick personally.

by Bruisr Thu Jan 17, 2013 12:48 pm

I picked those handles from the truck for a simple reason. There FREE! I have the complete truck and all the sheetmetal I could need. Although not too jazzy, I was going for something flush mounted, and paint same color as body. I haven't commited to it yet, but I'm thinking I'll give it a try. I never had problems with the door handles on this truck, however, I'll keep it in mind.

by BicknellWelding Thu Jan 17, 2013 1:00 pm

Free and in hand is a different story. Post some pics of the process.

by 77mali Thu Jan 17, 2013 1:16 pm

Stacey David did this too on Gearz also (speed channel). It was on the late 60's Cougar build. His worked out good, he does mention a company that makes them billet style.

by Bruisr Thu Jan 17, 2013 1:19 pm

I will. I'm eager to do this but afraid at the same time. I've never done this before, and this is my baby! She is the first car I've owned. Lots of sentimental feelings here. I've had her for 25 yrs!

by 77mali Thu Jan 17, 2013 1:58 pm

Make sure you make/get 2 identical templates. What's wrong with the reg handles (I like them). LOL

by Bruisr Thu Jan 17, 2013 2:48 pm

Just contmeplating on a different style, something unique, but not to dramatic.

by 1973montec Thu Jan 17, 2013 2:51 pm

i thought the handles on the buick were cool.

by Bruisr Sat Jan 19, 2013 1:27 am

I did some looking at the truck door handles, and have decided to scratch the idea. I think the idea is good but the truck handles just don't quite look up to par, plastic bezel, loose fit, and I'm certain there are other donor vehicles that will yield better results. So I add that to my list of things to look for.

by Pontichev327 Sat Jan 19, 2013 3:21 am

There are a ton of aftermarket door handle/latch set-ups for street rods and customs, So-cal has a bunch, and the Speedway motors catalog too.

by BicknellWelding Sat Jan 19, 2013 12:15 pm

I'd grab a cordless sawzall and wander around a junk yard. Somethings bound to jump out at you.

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