Judging inner door handles on a '69

[Paul S.]

Hi all,

My '69 has reproduction inner door handles. They have the "ribbed" rear design that is correct for '69, but they do not have any stampings besides "LH" and "RH" on the back. I took a look at some used originals and NOS GM handles on eBay, and it looks like they have some additional stampings on the back (part number, etc.).

During judging, will I receive any deduction if my handles do not have these stampings? If so, which stampings are correct for '69, as it looks like there were multiple configurations?


Thanks,
Paul

[Alan S.]

Re: Judging inner door handles on a '69

Hi Paul,
Judging… I can see the ribs by getting my head in just the right place, but not the numbers… do I use my mirror to look for the part numbers?, very likely. Deduction if they're not there… maybe a 'dot'?
To your second question:
The way I read the 4th edition 68-69 TIM&JG only one of the 3 types of handles described and illustrated would be typical for your 69…. the last type, which had the additional ribs added. And yes, the part numbers were on those handles too.
Regards,
Alan

[Paul S.]

Re: Judging inner door handles on a '69

Thanks, Alan! What I meant with my second question was, which letter/number stampings are correct on the original '69 handles with the additional ribs? I ask because I have seen multiple different versions on eBay. They all have the ribs, but the stampings are different. I suspect this is because these handles were produced for many years by GM as a service replacement part, and at some point, the letter/number stampings on the rear probably changed.

Thanks again,
Paul

[Alan S.]

Re: Judging inner door handles on a '69

Hi Paul,
Yes, I misunderstood.
I think your question might be the type that Joe L. answers so well!
Regards,
Alan

[Joe L.]

Re: Judging inner door handles on a '69

Hi all,

My '69 has reproduction inner door handles. They have the "ribbed" rear design that is correct for '69, but they do not have any stampings besides "LH" and "RH" on the back. I took a look at some used originals and NOS GM handles on eBay, and it looks like they have some additional stampings on the back (part number, etc.).

During judging, will I receive any deduction if my handles do not have these stampings? If so, which stampings are correct for '69, as it looks like there were multiple configurations?


Thanks,
Paul

Paul-------


Absolutely known-original 1969 door handles have NO embossments on the rear except for a small diamond-shaped logo towards the forward end. This is most likely a manufacturer's ID. It's possible there some embossments inboard of the attaching point. However, if there are, it's really a moot point since these could not be seen by any judge with the handles installed on the car.

[Paul S.]

Re: Judging inner door handles on a '69

Thanks, Joe! I know the logo that you mention, but all of the handles I have seen that have it also have the part number embossed near the center of the rear. I'll have to keep an eye out for a set of the type you mention.

If anyone has a pic of one of these, I would love to see it!


- Paul

[Craig C.]

Re: Judging inner door handles on a '69

Paul,

I took this off my 1969 Corvette when I restored the car a few years ago. As you can see it is not in the best condition, but I believe it to be original - and it is just as Joe described.

-Craig


086.jpg087.jpg084.jpg

[Bill L.]

Re: Judging inner door handles on a '69

I am not sure of the answer, how does the reproduction crossed flag emblem compare the the original?

Bill

[Paul S.]

Re: Judging inner door handles on a '69

I am not sure of the answer, how does the reproduction crossed flag emblem compare the the original?

Bill

I am curious about this as well... does anyone have a photo of a known original emblem? I have some of the reproductions, so I could post a comparison. I tend to think that the reproductions produced by Trim Parts, Inc. are actually a little "too nice" compared to the originals, but I have never seen a side-by-side comparison.

- Paul

[Alan S.]

Re: Judging inner door handles on a '69

Hi Paul,
Here's an original from my 71.
Regards,
Alan

[Paul S.]

Re: Judging inner door handles on a '69

Hi Paul,
Here's an original from my 71.
Regards,
Alan

Thanks, Alan! As I suspected, the reproduction emblem I have looks a little "too nice" compared to your original:

repro_emblem.jpg

The checkered flag is much more well-defined on the reproduction.

- Paul

[Joe L.]

Re: Judging inner door handles on a '69

Thanks, Alan! As I suspected, the reproduction emblem I have looks a little "too nice" compared to your original:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]68233[/ATTACH]

The checkered flag is much more well-defined on the reproduction.

- Paul

Paul------


These emblems get a lot of "rubbing" over time. The original when it was new may well have looked like the reproduction. For a real comparison you need to compare an old NOS handle to the reproduction. I'll bet you'll find they are quite close.

[Alan S.]

Re: Judging inner door handles on a '69

Hi Paul,
I guess my picture isn't a good example then.
I'm going to delete it and would like you to delete it from your 'quote' of my post too.
I'm sure someone will be along soon with a picture of a nos example.
Regards,
Alan

[Patrick H.]

Re: Judging inner door handles on a '69

Hi Paul,
I guess my picture isn't a good example then.
I'm going to delete it and would like you to delete it from your 'quote' of my post too.
I'm sure someone will be along soon with a picture of a nos example.
Regards,
Alan

Alan,

Yours is a great example of an original, no matter what age. Until someone posts an NOS example it's as good as we have in the thread and I would recommend leaving it up.

I have never seen a reason for you to remove a photo, because even if a thread takes a different turn your photos are so good that we all learn something from them. Each one has its own intrinsic educational value, and when removed that is lost.

So please, reconsider taking down photos after they've been posted to threads.

Regards,
Patrick

[Kevin G.]

Re: Judging inner door handles on a '69

Well stated Patrick!

ALL examples are of interest.....originals, more so than NOS/repo's.....