Exterior door handle restore

[RusTy/SE]

Jules restored my originals earlier this year

Here's the linky to my resto thread with some pics

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=27173.75

Russ

[quapman]

As for the original question, I think Krylon Dull Aluminum would be a fair match. Cover THAT with some Satin Clear and you should be good to go for a year or two.

Steve

[peterro]

To be clear, if I ordered the handles from the dealership that seem to be still available, are there different part numbers for the Challenger compared to the Cuda?  I was looking online from dealer pages and there only seems to be one pair of part numbers.  Who actually supplies (if anyone) the curved handles for a Challenger?

I was looking at the handles that I pulled off my car and one of them (passenger) looks original with the slight curve.  The drivers side is flat.  It must have been replaced sometime before 1991 when I got it.

[ksierens]

The ones available from the dealer are for a Cuda.  Though they will fit on a Challenger, the Cuda ones curve outwards, while the Challenger ones curved inwards.

[peterro]

Ok, who, if anyone, actually sells the correct ones for a Challenger?

[Bullitt-]

Paddock lists a separate item   
https://www.paddockparts.com/Paddock/product_family.asp?family%5Fid=1420&gift=False&0=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D4%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D%2CDodge%2FPlymouth&1=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D51%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D0%2CDodge%2FPlymouth%20Doors%20%26%20Windows&mscssid=76AA006B19E446988BC6D6E1E73B8CD9

[wally426ci]

 

[quapman]

Ok, who, if anyone, actually sells the correct ones for a Challenger?

As far as I know, nobody makes correct Challenger handles.

Steve

[duodec]

I have no direct experience with the Challenger repros but they have been advertised on ebay at times.  For example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CORRECT-1970-1974-T-A-CHALLENGER-R-T-OS-DOOR-HANDLES_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33642QQihZ014QQitemZ330293940280QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=200098403226&ih=010&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=

(I have not dealt with either vendor either...)

[MEK-Dangerfield]

It's frustrating neither ad has a side view so you see the slight curve IF it is a Challenger door handle.   

[Bullitt-]

I wonder if there is any truth to this


Challenger & Barracuda Restoration Guide, 1967-1974 - Google Books Result  by Paul A. Herd - 1997 - Transportation - 272 pages
After November 15, 1972, both the Barracuda and Challenger used the same door handles, and they will interchange but not fit earlier models. ...
books.google.com/books?isbn=0760302073...

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I wonder if there is any truth to this


Challenger & Barracuda Restoration Guide, 1967-1974 - Google Books Result  by Paul A. Herd - 1997 - Transportation - 272 pages
After November 15, 1972, both the Barracuda and Challenger used the same door handles, and they will interchange but not fit earlier models. ...
books.google.com/books?isbn=0760302073...

Hmm,

   That's interesting.    I never heard(no pun intended) of this before. It does make sense since all the re-pros up until now have been for Cuda handles. I guess they figured a bigger market with this style. 

[AMXguy]

Ther is no question Challenger only ones are being reproduced, I had generic Cuda ones, NOS generic ones and my originals all on the table at the same time as the Challenger repops. I never heard the '72 up theory before that might be but '70 is what I was working with.

 I bought mine on ebay from a Mopar outfit in the midwest I can't remeber the name of, but any reputable Mopar vendor should give you the correct ones, if not send them back would be my take on it.

[quapman]

First, THROW AWAY ANY PAUL HERD BOOK.

He is an idiot and if this book is anything like his "Parts Interchange" book, then forget it. Almost half of the info in the "PI" book is bogus including most of the pictures. (I wish I could write some half-assed books and make a fortune too. I know nothing about Fords, so maybe I'll write a nice Mustang book and cash in. Sorry, I digress.)

I've taken plenty of Cuda handles off 70-74 Challengers, they just don't follow the contour as nicely as stated above.

Second, I stand corrected on the curved Challenger handle repro issue. Good to see them out there. It would be nice to see a side view though, I agree.

I have dealt with Frederick Dodge in the past. Quick shipping, fair shipping price.

Another side note....Why are Mopar parts so much more money than Chevy/Ford parts? You can get a nice pair of 'Stang handles for like $50!!

Steve

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Iv'e bought from Frederick Dodge in the past also. I will bet they have the real Challenger door handles.