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Auto Detailing and AppearanceShare tips and tricks on how to make your Third Gen shine! Get opinions on products or how something tasteful looks on your Chevrolet Camaro or Pontiac Firebird.
First i want to say i did not make these. I purchased them from a great guy on a thirdgen facebook group. I expected to find a thread on hear about them but a search of door handles did not show any
These are custom made from stainless and i purchased both a raw set and a powder coated black set for my cars. If by chance the builder of these is on here i just want to say again what great work you did in designing these to work as good as they do
You know, I kind of like that. That might make a nice subtle mod for my 89 car. Any mod that looks good and can be done without cutting out the door, using filler and repainting is a bonus in my book! I did a quick search and did not find those on here either, but I swear I've seen them on here before somewhere.
They look a bit undersized for the application since they dont quite fill the door pocket, but they're not bad. Were they scratch built or modified from something else?
You can tell they are scratch built by the hinge and hardware.. The pics dont due it justice as they look better in person. There is zero slop on the linkage so it removes the rattle from the handle while making pull shorter to open the door. My only complaint is it shows where the original handles have rubbed the paint from the door .
Yeah, they look good, but the fit is my "complaint" is all.They're more counter sunk than flush.If they would just bring them up a bit so they are actually level with the sheet metal, then they'd be flush.Then they would look/fit a lot better.Of course if that was done, they would also need to be slightly enlarged to fill the gap created by making them flush, but that would improve the looks department as well.
I will admit these are no
t for everybody as we all have different tastes. when compaired to the stock ones i am way happy with them and i didnt have to cut up the door panel
That does look better, the first pics are deceiving.Id still like a little less gap between the door pocket/handle edge.I know to a certain point the handle rubs on the sheet metal, but i think it would look better with a lesser gap.
I did something like this with the stock pieces and a hand made handle from sheet steel and handle would rub at less than 1/8 gap.Eventually i decided i didnt like the functional part with the workable gap.So i went a different route.Plus as you mentioned, stock door handles a poor design, even when new.
Yes! Those photos really show it better! I want a set for my 89 now, especially since I'm getting ready to pull the door panels to repair fabric and fix the passenger mirror.
The stock handles in post #9 appear to be chrome or some sort of shiny metal finish, and I definitely do NOT like those. That being said, I've never felt that the stock black handles looked bad. Still, these flush mount handles are intriguing. ...curious to see how they'd look body color. I think Stan did something like this on his Fireball ****** Iroc. LOL, -Is he the one who's making them!?
Post 9 was my original handles from my firebird. The stainless version is what i replaced them with The black powdercoat version i put on my camaro
I contacted the person i bought them from and told him about the interest on TGO. He says he is in the process of making another batch and will inform when ready. Yes he said he is an OG member of TGO but doesnt get on much as facebook groups are more widely used
I am the maker of the handles. I'm currently working on a major revision to the handles. The new generation handles will be made from billet aluminum and 100% cnc cut. I just bought a new cnc mill just to make the handles. They are going to be pretty dope. Thank you guys for the compliments. BTW, the gaps are a bit larger than I like, but was necessary to ensure no handle to paint contact as well as compensate for the large factory tolerances in the handle pocket area. The set I have on my car have tighter gaps but I also spent a lot of time hand fitting them. I can't expect all my customers to do that.
I am the maker of the handles. I'm currently working on a major revision to the handles. The new generation handles will be made from billet aluminum and 100% cnc cut. I just bought a new cnc mill just to make the handles. They are going to be pretty dope. Thank you guys for the compliments. BTW, the gaps are a bit larger than I like, but was necessary to ensure no handle to paint contact as well as compensate for the large factory tolerances in the handle pocket area. The set I have on my car have tighter gaps but I also spent a lot of time hand fitting them. I can't expect all my customers to do that.
You may want to consider making (2) versions: A standard bolt-on, large gap model that fits with no mods for the general public, and a "Builder grade" larger model that "may require modification to fit" for the guys that are willing to make the effort. That way, everyone gets what they want.
I am the maker of the handles. I'm currently working on a major revision to the handles. The new generation handles will be made from billet aluminum and 100% cnc cut. I just bought a new cnc mill just to make the handles. They are going to be pretty dope. Thank you guys for the compliments. BTW, the gaps are a bit larger than I like, but was necessary to ensure no handle to paint contact as well as compensate for the large factory tolerances in the handle pocket area. The set I have on my car have tighter gaps but I also spent a lot of time hand fitting them. I can't expect all my customers to do that.
They look very nice and I am very interested in a black powdercoated set (or possibly two). How much do they cost?
406TIP, go ahead and mark me down for a set black powder coated! I have a black car, so I'm not concerned with the gap. I think these look great! Nice work!
I think the gap would be a lot less noticeable if the paint behind the handle were in better condition.
Totally agree and should look right at home on black. No matter what color your car is, these will look a TON better than the Chevy Caprice looking door handles on these cars.
Totally agree and should look right at home on black. No matter what color your car is, these will look a TON better than the Chevy Caprice looking door handles on these cars.
I agree! These look really nice. I think if they are the same color as the body the gap will disappear. 406 tpi, can you post a cost for these? also are you going to make some "raw" so they can be painted to match the car?
How is the install process? IIRC, a lot of the door hardware is riveted in from the factory and the window is in the way of it. A real pain to get at stuff and you run the risk of popping the door glass into a billon pieces.
How is the install process? IIRC, a lot of the door hardware is riveted in from the factory and the window is in the way of it. A real pain to get at stuff and you run the risk of popping the door glass into a billon pieces.
Installation is simple and only the door panel had to be removed to gain access. took me about half an hour per door. Just make sure window is rolled down first time closing the door as it might need adjusting to be able to open back up. He sends detailed instructions with the handles explaining everything
There are several people interested. So why can't we get a price? As long as they aren't outrageously priced, I'm sure that they'll sell just fine. Would be nice to know how much they run so we can budget for them.
Sorry for the late responses. The new generation handles are a little bit more expensive than the first design. This is mainly due to my operating costs going up. I'm trying to find ways to keep the cost under $200 for the set. I'm still hammering out the details as I have only cut a few sets so far. If you are interested, PM me and I'll get you added to the waiting list. Once I get caught up to my backlog I will be creating a storefront for ordering to make it easier for you guys.
I know this is a 5 year old post, but I am really trying to track down someone that makes these powder coated with the Firebird emblem engraved. I saw a set once and fell in love with them. I am even willing to look into buying the data to have these 3D printed locally. Does anyone know where I can order a set of these?
Yeah I’m hoping so also. Just need to decide on black or polished. My car is Bright Purple Metallic (97-99 Camaro color) w/ silver ground effects. Has chrome handles now but I’m leaning towards black for these.
