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door handle change.

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Old Dec 10, 2001 | 11:06 PM
  #1  
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From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
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Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
door handle change.

I've been looking into grafting some different door handles onto my 'bird and figured I'd get some opinions other than my own to narrow down my choices.

Below are a few choices I'm looking at.

http://www.deadbird.org/z/handles.jpg
(Link above works to see pic. I took the IMG tags off so I don't **** off my webhost)

I'm more particular to #1 (eclipse), 5 (nissan 280 I think), & 10/16 (grand am/oldsmobile).

What do you guys/gals think would look better ? (original & shaved are not an option)


------------------[*]my Formula Homepage [*]Collision P/Ns & Diagrams

"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is to try to please everyone."

[This message has been edited by deadbird (edited December 10, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by deadbird (edited December 11, 2001).]
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Old Dec 10, 2001 | 11:28 PM
  #2  
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It has to match the lines of your car or it will look stupid and out of place.
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Old Dec 10, 2001 | 11:49 PM
  #3  
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From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
Yea, I know, that's why I'm asking to make sure my judgement isn't that bad. GM door handles are cheap & just plain suck though.

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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 12:05 AM
  #4  
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i wanted to shave my doorhandles completely but i was told that you cant drag race with them. I kinda like the way #6 looks... I dont know how well it would fit the looks of a thirdgen tho

------------------
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*Red, Daytona Turbo fiberglass hood, chrome 16x8 IROC wheels
*355 CID
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*Richmond 3.73, Auburn Posi
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*eibach pro kit and hotchkis strut tower brace

"There is no way you have a 350 in that car. They are made to have 305's and a 350 wouldnt fit"
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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 12:10 AM
  #5  
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I like 6 and 8!
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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 12:41 AM
  #6  
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6 and 5

------------------
'91 Camaro RS 3.1L V6
4th Gen Seats, Sony Xplod CD Player, DJ Sexay's Kicks Panels with a Polk Audio 6½" Comp Set, 2 RF Punch 12's, RF Punch Amp 100.2, Coustic 360W Amp.
Soon to come, New Rims, New Rear Tires, Paint Job, Interior Color Change.


http://www.geocities.com/adidaspredator21/index.html
**Got the new door on... gettin car painted in about a month or two...**
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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 07:06 AM
  #7  
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1,8,10
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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 10:52 AM
  #8  
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Using GM full size truck handles on thirdgens has been done several times. They turn out flush and blend in well with the car....

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87 Iroc 5.7L
91 Formula 5.7L 14.3@98mph
91 RS Convertible 5.0L
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Parts for sale
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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 11:08 AM
  #9  
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6 and 8. Do you remember what those handles are on?
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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 11:12 AM
  #10  
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From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
Drew, while I have to agree about the truck handles looking pretty good, the first part of what you said is why I don't want them, it's been done several times.

I've seen the site with thte camaro ( http://www.geocities.com/chevyracesh...andleswap.html in case someone hasn't seen it) and it looks good but, it's the size/shape thing that bothers me about them, they seems just a pinch bigger & more square than I'd like.
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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 12:21 PM
  #11  
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what about the chrome doorhandles that were used on alot of classic iron particularily 60's chevy cars?????? like the ones on my '66 impala

[This message has been edited by SlowCamaro88SC (edited December 11, 2001).]
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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 12:54 PM
  #12  
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From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
Scott, offhand I can't remember what those handles are from. I may be going back to junkwayrd to write down what they were so I don't completely forget.

SlowCam, if you're referring to my comment about GM handles, no offence intended bud, I didn't mean it as all door handles. I just meant the crappy, rattly square ones on seemingly every GM car since 1970
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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 02:00 PM
  #13  
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if i had to pick from your choices i would say 5 or 6..... there are nicer out there though. i tried this to a while back and was frustrated with finding the "one", so i left it alone since i feel the stock ones look like they belong.

what about just shaving the locks? leaving the handle.
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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 02:39 PM
  #14  
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From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
Kandied, I have actually given that some thought as well but, it just comes back to really not liking those handles. I know there are nicer out there but, not to many finer (or fairly new) cars make it to the u-pull yard where I took the pics above.

So far #6 is winning overall so, out of boredom...

A PsP'd pic of the handle on my doorHere

While I doubt I'd go w/black for the handle, it was easier to quickly cut & paste on as it was.

[This message has been edited by deadbird (edited December 11, 2001).]
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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 03:31 PM
  #15  
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Car: 1988 Firebird, 2000 GTP
Engine: 327
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9" posi, 4.11
How would you go about adding these handles in the first place? I think it sounds like a good idea. If anyone could get me some info on how this process is done, I would appriciate it. If it doesn't require too much door modificating. Thanks guys and keep up the good ideas.
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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 07:02 PM
  #16  
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6 looks really good

How about corvette handles?

------------------
"I have the car, now I need a license!" started the car at 14 now only 182 days 'till temps as of Dec. 12! yeah, I'm only 15.
1982 Firebird S/E
sbc 307 with summit cam and lifters, Performer intake, 305 heads, quadrajet, all smog equipment removed, soon to be silver.
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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 07:30 PM
  #17  
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man.....

7 looks *AWFULLY* close to a Chrysler Minivan door handle, from about 93....
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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 08:43 PM
  #18  
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Car: Recaro Option T/A
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Axle/Gears: 3:27 Borg Warner
The lines of the 3rd gen are rectangular so any of the ones of the same shape look good.

This is one of the better ones I think



Don
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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 08:54 PM
  #19  
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From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
Hmm,, I didn't think #6 would be all that popular because of its 'oval-ish' shape. I'm not positive of what year vette you mean 82firebird but, I know there are none in 2 "big" u-pull yards here. I can't MIG weld fiberglass to metal either

admrlam.. I'm not positive what car that handle was on but I do know it wasn't a minivan. All handles except # 10 & 16 are from *mport cars.

I guess I'm going to have to go hunt down #6 (along with a few others) & see how it really looks up to the car. 5 of you guys seem to think it's the better looking out of the group.

More votes (and opinions) are welcome.
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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 09:03 PM
  #20  
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My personal opinion is 7 and 11, they look the best if you ask me.

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un4givin89


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Old Dec 11, 2001 | 09:04 PM
  #21  
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From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
oops

[This message has been edited by deadbird (edited December 11, 2001).]
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Old Dec 12, 2001 | 06:38 AM
  #22  
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I think in the photoshopped pic, those #6's look really good. You'll have to tell us what they are from. Cuz now I want to do it
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Old Dec 12, 2001 | 09:17 AM
  #23  
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I always liked the 90's grand prix door handles and what about I always like the door handles that were on the 90's grand prix and now that I think of it what about the baretta

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Old Dec 12, 2001 | 09:54 AM
  #24  
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I was looking at my girlfriends 94 Z28 and was thinking the same thing. Check out some fourth gen handles, they are fluch also and do not seem to have the same problems as the earlier years.


Chris



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1986 Iroc 355 TPI coming soon

1985 Z28/5-speed Daily Driver
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Old Dec 12, 2001 | 08:08 PM
  #25  
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If I ever run out of other things to do to the car, I would go for a set of 4th gen handles.... They look nice, and would go well with the lines of the car, and not stand out....



------------------
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K&N, Blue Streak Cap and Rotor, strange unknown exhaust system (sounds good though)...
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Old Dec 12, 2001 | 10:07 PM
  #26  
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From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
85 T/A WS6.. Those are the same square handles I have have said to not care for in my above posts.

un4givin.. I did ask,, thanks for the vote

BTS88... as soon as the weather clears up & I can get back to the yard,, I'll let you (all) know what they are on.

vinroc.. I have to agree but, unfortuntaly, the 3rdgen f-body does not have a window frame to do that with, otherwise I'd be on it...

NufNuf.. while the 4th gen handles do look good on a 4th gen & are flush as you said, I don't like the lock being seperate & am looking for a 1 piece lock/handle deal.

I appreciate all comments, outlooks & votes, keep them comming. If the weather clears in the next few days I may go boneyard shopping.

So far #6 is the most popular with 5 votes, followed by #5 with 3. # 1 & 8 are next with 2 votes, followed by 7,10 & 11 having 1 each.

Yes, I am keeping track of what you all suggest & yes, you all will have a part to play & the handles going on my car.

I appreciate all the opinions/votes guys.

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Old Dec 12, 2001 | 10:13 PM
  #27  
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From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
*side note

85 T/A WS6.. I'm not saying the handles didn't look good on our cars. I just believe that a car as distinguished as the 3rdgen F-body deserves a little someting better & more sleek than the same chromed crap handles that came on my parents turd brown, 4-door '74 Caprice Classic. Granted, GM pulled their heads from their rears long enough to paint them a matte black to put on the F-body,, they still suck. That's just my opinion.. I could be wrong
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Old Dec 13, 2001 | 06:23 AM
  #28  
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Actually, the same handles were also black on the 85-91 Grand Ams, it wasn't just for the F-body.
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Old Dec 14, 2001 | 12:26 AM
  #29  
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From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
F-bodys came out in 82.. 3 years before the Grand-Ams but, I'm not going to split hairs about that.

Along with the help from you all, I think I may just go w/the #6 handles. If the weather lets up here anytime soon so I can get back to the junkyard,, I'll let you know what they are on.
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Old Dec 19, 2001 | 01:39 PM
  #30  
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From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
About time the rain paused

For those who really care, the weather actually let up long enough to get back out to the j-yard & picked the #6 handle.

http://www.deadbird.org/z/handle.jpg

For those who were wondering, the handle is from an Dodge Intrepid but are the same as what's on a Neon (#15), with the exception, the Intrepid handles are painted.

Handle #8 is from a Del Sol
#12 is from an Elantra
#13 is from a Maxima &
#14 is from an Accord or Prelude.

I can't say how quick I'll be getting on this project due to the lack of certain equipment & fundage right now plus, it's getting colder out in the garage.

My Camaro might end up being a test run gunia pig for this project.

Last edited by deadbird; Dec 23, 2001 at 02:18 AM.
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