1968 Outer Door Handel

[Bob S.]

I know....the mere mention of such a thing! I've read waaaaay too many horror stories to attempt this task. Also, I have pretty good sized hands, and just don't need the aggravation. (Bang-Zoom Alice!!!)

That said, my problem isn't replacing it....(I think) It's the "Plate" for lack of a better term, that sits up a bit higher than it should rather than resting flush with the body

Is there a fix for this or does the entire unit need to be replaced?

Bob
(9944)

[Jim T.]

Re: 1968 Outer Door Handel

Bob I don't know for sure if there is a fix for your 68's door handle. I replaced my 68's back say in 1984. The new ones I bought from the GM Chev dealer parts counter seemed pretty good quality. Today on the drivers door you can spot the chrome finish wear on the flap that is depressed to open the door. My 70's original ones don't have this kind of finish wear today. My 68's drivers door flap is slightly higher, but not much from the framework that surrounds it. I am not going to mess with it. My 68's original door handles were drooping and the price of new ones was not that great to replace them. There is most likely someone that knows how to correct the problem you have.
One thing about replacing the 68's outside door handles, there is no door unlatching linkage to deal with in replacement.

[Bob S.]

Re: 1968 Outer Door Handel

Jim,

Thanks for the reply.

So, just how difficult was it, changing your handles? You are the ONLY reply, by the way...this speaks VOLUMES to me on how tricky this can be. Since I'm going to replace my door panels, I'm panning to take a good look at both window mechanisms and R&R where necessary. Not being "in there" before, would having the mechanisms out make the handel replacement any easier?

Thanks,

Bob
(9944)

[Alan S.]

Re: 1968 Outer Door Handel

Hi Bob,
I realize your handle is a bit different.... but.... on the 69+ handles there are 2 'tabs' that stop the flapper 'even' with the bezel that surrounds it.
It would be pretty straight forward to shim the 'tabs' to stop the flapper in the position you'd like it to be.
Perhaps on your 68 too?
Here's a picture showing those tabs on a handle from my 71. They are at the pivot point of the flapper.
Regards,
Alan

[Jim T.]

Re: 1968 Outer Door Handel

Bob it has been many years since I removed the handles on the 68. I don't remember the handles being any problem. Viewing Alan's 71 door handle you can see the two studs, only two nuts to remove to pull the handle up. New rubber gaskets will be needed. One thing I do remember is the retainer for the 68's key lock. I don't think you can buy one from GM today. I had to get a new one for the drivers door. Even the parts man could not believe how much it cost and gave be a big discount on it. Hope you will not need one. Cleaning the window regulators and lubricating them will improve performance.

[Bob S.]

Re: 1968 Outer Door Handel

Bob I don't know for sure if there is a fix for your 68's door handle. I replaced my 68's back say in 1984. The new ones I bought from the GM Chev dealer parts counter seemed pretty good quality. Today on the drivers door you can spot the chrome finish wear on the flap that is depressed to open the door. My 70's original ones don't have this kind of finish wear today. My 68's drivers door flap is slightly higher, but not much from the framework that surrounds it. I am not going to mess with it. My 68's original door handles were drooping and the price of new ones was not that great to replace them. There is most likely someone that knows how to correct the problem you have.
One thing about replacing the 68's outside door handles, there is no door unlatching linkage to deal with in replacement.

Thanks Jim...I may leave it be, but it make me kinda nuts...once I'm in and driving, I completely forget about it

[Bob S.]

Re: 1968 Outer Door Handel

Hi Bob,
I realize your handle is a bit different.... but.... on the 69+ handles there are 2 'tabs' that stop the flapper 'even' with the bezel that surrounds it.
It would be pretty straight forward to shim the 'tabs' to stop the flapper in the position you'd like it to be.
Perhaps on your 68 too?
Here's a picture showing those tabs on a handle from my 71. They are at the pivot point of the flapper.
Regards,
Alan

Wow! Thanks, Alan...as soon as I get the car back from my mechanic, I'll check this out!