Door Handle Ideas?

[Alphamacaroon]

I've really wanted to order the billet aluminum door handles for a while now, but they appear to be indefinitely out of stock at FFRparts.com, so I'm looking for alternatives. Would really prefer something recessed, but don't want to spend $300+ (like some of the custom hot rod parts out there).

Question 1: What do you guys think about these? https://www.boatoutfitters.com/hardware/latches/cam-latches Call me crazy, but I really like the look. I imagine it wouldn't be too hard to hook the lever up to the cable, or even fabricate a hard linkage.
Question 2: Might be a stupid question... but how in the heck do people open their doors from the outside? I guess I never noticed until now that there are no external handles on the coupe. Do people with side-windows just slide the vent back and reach in to open from the inside? Was also thinking that one of those boat recessed handles might look cool on the outside too...

[P100DHG]

check out door handles for a 68 Chevy Corvette that might be what you're looking for

Forget the video's description it's more about how they work.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW1KupLQdj8

https://www.google.com/search?q=68+chevy+corvette+door+handle&source=lmns&client=safari&hl=en&ved=2ahUKEwi38vvU3srnAhX2FzQIHf6XBg8Q_AUoAHoECAEQA A

or

https://www.autoloc.com/catalog/Interior-Accessories/Billet-Door-Handle-Kits

I might use the C3 corvette handles, or none at all but I am a long way from that

[narly1]

Question 2: Might be a stupid question... but how in the heck do people open their doors from the outside?

A couple of options:

1 A keyless remote entry system that fires a couple of actuators hooked up to the latch linkages. About $20 for everything needed on Amazon.

or instead,

2. A magnetic reed switch buried under the body glass somewhere that fires the actuators. You then add a magnet to your key chain and wave it over the switch to pop the latches.

[edwardb]

Yes, with the standard setup you reach inside and pull the handle. If you have the window kit, yes through the little sliding window. I'm getting used to it. Some put poppers on the latches as mentioned. Thought about it on mine. But was running out of energy with all the other mods I did. I scored the machined aluminum handles from Factory Five. They're nice. But I'd use the stock plastic ones before those boat versions. And please don't put one of those on the outside. :eek: You asked.

[David Williamson]

I put door poppers on mine so they open with a key fob but it is not hard to just reach inside through the window and open the door
David W

[Gbeck]

I'm still building but I have door poppers activated by a key fob and remote from Electric Life. I also have a cable connected to the mechanism if the poppers fail.

[Alphamacaroon]

Thanks again all for the great ideas. I figured I had nothing to lose and went ahead and gave the marine latch a try. I'm very happy with the results.

The latches themselves are about $35 a piece and require a 2" hole. They are very high quality and very sturdy.

122581

I modified the latch by chopping off the pawl and drilling a hole big enough for some 10-24 threaded rod. Then I took two lengths of 10-24 threaded rod, heated them, bent them, then flash annealed them into the shapes seen here:

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Then I joined the two parts of the mechanism in the middle with a coupler and some jamb nuts. This allows me to take out any slack from the mechanism, and to easily disassemble the door. Here's what the mechanism looks like without the door:

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Finally, here's what it looks like all put together:

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I lucked out in that the latch mechanism travels the exact amount needed to disengage the door latch. I really like this direct linkage setup because I won't have to worry about the cable stretching over time.

Anyway, I still may end up adding an electric popper at some point, but pretty happy with how this ended up.

P.S. @edwardb, I actually did consider putting these on the outside as well (a smaller sized version, painted to match color of the car), but now you have me second guessing.... ;) I still actually think it would look pretty cool— it feels like something that wouldn't seem totally out of place on a racecar (ala LeMans style gas cap, hood pins, etc.). But then again, I guess you'd don't see door handles on race cars either.

[edwardb]

I stand corrected. That looks good. Agreed an upgrade over the standard plastic ones. Still wouldn't put them on the outside though. :rolleyes:

[Alphamacaroon]

Hah! Alright, deal. I respect you too much to disagree.

[P100DHG]

I misinterpreted your question I thought you were putting those on the outside. Looks good.