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Outside door handles from a different car?
Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2003 7:12 pm
by vegabok
Thanks for any attention in advance....
I have seen a couple of pictures of bugs with outside handles that were from a different type of car. Depending on how it looked, I am kinda interested in putting the type of handles you see on new VW's and most high class cars that you just pull straight out on a handle on my '69 bug. Has anyone got some info on how hard it is, or better yet, pictures? Thanks again...
Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2003 8:35 pm
by Kubel Nick
They sell "kits" that uses Audi handles but more made towards the early water cooled VWs. I personally haven't seen any info but in general our door opening mechanisms is fairly easy. The latch is connected to a rod that's connected to the handle. When you pull the handle, it pulls the rod then the latch (door opens). There is no universal info since not all enternal door handles are the same. But all you have to figure out is how to attach the door handle mechanism to turn the latch open. You can modify the rod or use a cable or a series of pulleys and cables.
The kits I mentioned about I don't think it's worth it. Though I've never seen them personally, I just would rather have myself come up with something. The kit just comes with the spare sheet metal that surrounds the new door handles for a clean look, but you can just go to the junkyard and get the entire door if needed anyways. Just my opinion...
A complex pulley system sounds great!
Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2003 9:15 pm
by vegabok
I am actually quite good at figuring out the mechanics required for something like this, the problem is finding a door handle that I like that has the type of movement on the inside that I could use. I would still like to see some pictures just because....so, if anyone finds any, it would be quite appreciated.
Thanks......
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2003 3:12 pm
by Guest
have you came up with anything yet?
neil
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2003 4:43 pm
by vegabok
Sadly no, but I haven't been looking too hard, been focusing on getting wheels and a tranny.....
Anonymous wrote:have you came up with anything yet?
neil
Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2003 5:30 pm
by hillbilly
Hey how about no door handles ,would look very claen...I have non on my 92 chevy and It looks good and no hassles from the cops and have had them shaved for about 8 years. Doors pop via a remote, and also a lower mechanical release. ( lower mechanical release is actually a piece of string) LOL The biggest hassle you will have looking for handles is the clearance (ltd.) you have. Go to an auto wrecker or go by some of the larger collision shops and look in the scrap pile The usually have a few doors there.(just for lookin) Cable type vs rod type would be more sutable but less choices.try to get one with a slight curve to match your door. Nothing would look uglier than a flat handle in a curved door...well besides my baby pic.'s
. Nicest thing is (on my truck) there is no way of prying at the handle to break in ( very easy ,and common to brek into these.)..
Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2003 6:36 pm
by blackace
In VW Trends from the mid 90's issues they had Bugs with Honda door handles. Although they did not show how this was done it was on alot of readers rides. You might wanna check out some Honda handles and see how they fit. I have also thought using some type of modern style handle to give my Super a clean look with modern styling. One possible way of doing this is just cutting the area around the handle from the Honda door and weld it to the door of your Bug. Then you would have to figure out the mechanisms of the handle in conjunction with the internals of the Bug door. It really shouldn't be that difficult to do. Also one thing that you might have to consider is the window. The new style handles sit inside the door. You would have to check to see if you have clearance with the window to see if it will roll up and down without hitting the handle.
I hope this helps.
Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2003 3:34 pm
by justdubbin
If you are competent with a welder you can cut out the handle (from a donor car) including about 2-3 inches of the surrounding door skin & weld that in.
You will have to prepare the new piece of metal to go in by shaping the metal like so --¬_ using a tool called a joggling tool
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/product.asp?p=010122046
When you have a recessed edge all of the way around your new piece of metal containing the handle, you can then cut out a hole about 3/8 bigger and place new piece in from behind & then tack the new metal in place making sure you don't get to much heat in the two panels other wise they will distort.
A little like this
http://photo.starblvd.net/ROBSDIECAST/6 ... &ro=3&co=1
I hope you can understand it.
Once you have finished welding grind down & fill.
Rob.