Replacement outer door handle. Are all the aftermarket handles the same?
08-23-2016, 04:59 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Replacement outer door handle. Are all the aftermarket handles the same?
I have replaced my driver side outer handle before and it just doesn't feel right. When pulling up on the handle , both sides don't go straight up. Going to try another handle but was wondering about the quality. Are they all the same? Seems like I bought this one from Classic Industries but I'm not positive. Thanks
08-23-2016, 08:09 PM
#2
On Probation
Re: Replacement outer door handle. Are all the aftermarket handles the same?
Most of the aftermarket handles I bought from any supplier were china
specials. Not just for the camaro either. The ones for the Olds or Chevy
were the same quality.
I doubt they will last for 25 YEARS like the OE GM factory pieces...............
specials. Not just for the camaro either. The ones for the Olds or Chevy
were the same quality.
I doubt they will last for 25 YEARS like the OE GM factory pieces...............
08-23-2016, 09:53 PM
#3
Supreme Member
Re: Replacement outer door handle. Are all the aftermarket handles the same?
Most (if not all) aftermarket handles are made off-shore and are pretty much crap. The worst offenders are those for early 90's W-Body coupes with those window pillar handles. Even the OEM ones sucked. The only thing good about them is it's a wrench and screwdriver, 10 minute job to replace.
Most of my cars are +25 years old. Finding decent used OEM handles are getting hard to find.
I've got into the habit of using the outside door handles to just pop the door open and not use it to pull the door open.
I'd rather work under the dashboard than fishing out nut, bolts, linkages and electrical connectors in a door using chopsticks.
Most of my cars are +25 years old. Finding decent used OEM handles are getting hard to find.
I've got into the habit of using the outside door handles to just pop the door open and not use it to pull the door open.
I'd rather work under the dashboard than fishing out nut, bolts, linkages and electrical connectors in a door using chopsticks.
Last edited by paulo57509; 08-23-2016 at 09:57 PM.
08-25-2016, 07:53 AM
#6
On Probation
Re: Replacement outer door handle. Are all the aftermarket handles the same?
Camaro/bird and others OE handles are still avail. in RIGHT side only.
08-25-2016, 08:43 AM
#7
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Car: 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
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Re: Replacement outer door handle. Are all the aftermarket handles the same?
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08-25-2016, 02:51 PM
#9
Supreme Member
Re: Replacement outer door handle. Are all the aftermarket handles the same?
Those Cadillac handles look like Honda handles.
08-26-2016, 07:30 AM
#11
On Probation
Re: Replacement outer door handle. Are all the aftermarket handles the same?
Why the Caddy handles?
They won't be a direct fit to a camaro/bird door!
Major mods and bodywork involved to fit them...............
They won't be a direct fit to a camaro/bird door!
Major mods and bodywork involved to fit them...............
08-26-2016, 09:09 PM
#12
Re: Replacement outer door handle. Are all the aftermarket handles the same?
Why not! Not any more (or less) a direct fit then most other upgrades done to these cars.I don't think, any harder than trying to score an original set of door handles that still wouldn't be better designed/built.
08-27-2016, 08:50 AM
#13
On Probation
Re: Replacement outer door handle. Are all the aftermarket handles the same?
USE YOUR EYES!
The Caddy handles are a different shape in general than the OE
bird/camaro handles.
Not to mention they lay flat along the surface of the door face in
a Cadillac. (NOTE.......I HAVE a 2011 DTS in my driveway and I
will mention that I have had SEVEN other DTS/Devilles and NONE
of them had/has a door handle similar or a direct no major surgery/
mod fit into a 3rd gen camaro/bird.)
The Caddy handles are a different shape in general than the OE
bird/camaro handles.
Not to mention they lay flat along the surface of the door face in
a Cadillac. (NOTE.......I HAVE a 2011 DTS in my driveway and I
will mention that I have had SEVEN other DTS/Devilles and NONE
of them had/has a door handle similar or a direct no major surgery/
mod fit into a 3rd gen camaro/bird.)
08-27-2016, 11:41 AM
#14
Re: Replacement outer door handle. Are all the aftermarket handles the same?
Well, IM GLAD YOU TOLD ME, never would've noticed that!!
Guess my idea of "major surgery" differs from yours.Id rather spend a weekend redoing these, than sourcing OE door handles.
Guess my idea of "major surgery" differs from yours.Id rather spend a weekend redoing these, than sourcing OE door handles.
08-28-2016, 12:09 PM
#15
Re: Replacement outer door handle. Are all the aftermarket handles the same?
I've used Thirdgen Camaro exterior door handles on my 91 S10 Blazer ( and other Blazers ) back when I had that truck & I'm pretty sure it's the same exact part. I've got several factory original Thirdgen door handles just waiting to be re-used. I prefer them to aftermarket versions because the Aftermarket handles seem to "rattle" shortly after they get installed,... but good used handles hold up much better over time.
The one thing I noticed about the aftermarket handles is the VERY POOR quality of the plastic rod "lock". I'm talking about the little plastic retainer that holds the rod in place on the handle. The aftermarket parts are TOTAL CRAP ( usually white in color ) compared to the original rod retainers ( usually black )
After replacing many exterior door handles over the years,..... I'd MUCH rather re-finish a good used handle rather than buying an aftermarket replacement. Aftermarkets parts have a 'better' finish compared to restored parts, but original parts are built & WORK better !!
The one thing I noticed about the aftermarket handles is the VERY POOR quality of the plastic rod "lock". I'm talking about the little plastic retainer that holds the rod in place on the handle. The aftermarket parts are TOTAL CRAP ( usually white in color ) compared to the original rod retainers ( usually black )
After replacing many exterior door handles over the years,..... I'd MUCH rather re-finish a good used handle rather than buying an aftermarket replacement. Aftermarkets parts have a 'better' finish compared to restored parts, but original parts are built & WORK better !!
08-28-2016, 12:29 PM
#16
Re: Replacement outer door handle. Are all the aftermarket handles the same?
Of the 3-4 times I replaced mine, I used repro's once.After that, OE's from the JY.99% of the time the cheesy wire spring would break or the tiny arms that clamp around said spring would break.You could tell from the looseness/rattles when that happened.
08-28-2016, 12:43 PM
#17
On Probation
Re: Replacement outer door handle. Are all the aftermarket handles the same?
Many year GMs used the same door handle as the third gen. cam/birds.
My 94 buick has the same handle except its chrome and not black.
NO OEM left side handles for that one either.
My 94 buick has the same handle except its chrome and not black.
NO OEM left side handles for that one either.
09-09-2016, 12:28 PM
#20
Member
09-13-2016, 07:28 AM
#21
Re: Replacement outer door handle. Are all the aftermarket handles the same?
NOS can be found,.... If your willing to pay for them:
Price:US $225.00
NOS CHEVY CAMARO IROC-Z RS LT 1982 - 1992 BLACK DOOR HANDLE Set + Speed NUT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-CHEVY-CA...dXrKV~&vxp=mtr
Price:US $225.00
NOS CHEVY CAMARO IROC-Z RS LT 1982 - 1992 BLACK DOOR HANDLE Set + Speed NUT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-CHEVY-CA...dXrKV~&vxp=mtr
09-15-2016, 10:59 PM
#22
Re: Replacement outer door handle. Are all the aftermarket handles the same?
Guessing this is a long shot, but is there a fix for when the wire "spring" falls out? What is it supposed to be doing in there?
Also, being a GTA, the handles say 'Limited Edition' on them, so any guesses on finding replacements?
Also, being a GTA, the handles say 'Limited Edition' on them, so any guesses on finding replacements?
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