What door handles should I buy?

[fi3ndx]

One of my door handles snapped like usual with these cars and the other one is on the way out. I was wondering wether there is a OEM replacement brand that sells good handles or if I should just spend the $70ish for new OEM handles. I plan on doing the mod that makes the doors pop open almost immediately so these ones are less likely to break.

 

[fi3ndx]

That's what I meant when I said I was doing the mod, thanks. Those kits that reinforced the handles aren't available anymore unless you build your own or buy a used one.

 

[spyderdrifter]

I bought a left and right set of handles for $11 from rockauto. They are decent quality.

 

[gst-turbo]

Junkyard sometimes u can find the same color

 

[fi3ndx]

Dsms are pretty rare in junkyards over here in RI sadly

 

[RidleyNoah]

I need to do the mod to my door handles and have a question. When you guys pulled your handles did you remove the latch assembly also. I saw a tutorial by "rcaz" and he said that it makes it easier with the latch removed.

Also, what size bolt did you guys use for the mod?

 

[Neil Van]

I had replacement handles on my first 2g and they felt cheap to me but worked just fine

 

[2gmitsueclipse]

I need to do the mod to my door handles and have a question. When you guys pulled your handles did you remove the latch assembly also. I saw a tutorial by "rcaz" and he said that it makes it easier with the latch removed.

Also, what size bolt did you guys use for the mod?

Yes, removing the bolts will allow it the actuator rods to move more freely upon removal of the handle. It is secured with counter-sunk Torx machine screws. The most difficult part of this job is removing the small bolt securing the handle inside the door. Even more difficult to get it back in unless you know someone with small hands. My fiance is always happy to help jobs like this. It takes her two minutes to get it started, while it would take me 45 minutes with bloody/sore knuckles.

 

[RidleyNoah]

Yes, removing the bolts will allow it the actuator rods to move more freely upon removal of the handle. It is secured with counter-sunk Torx machine screws. The most difficult part of this job is removing the small bolt securing the handle inside the door. Even more difficult to get it back in unless you know someone with small hands. My fiance is always happy to help jobs like this. It takes her two minutes to get it started, while it would take me 45 minutes with bloody/sore knuckles.

Yeah, I've had the door panel off and seen that bolt. I appreciate your fiance offering to help but I think I can manage, probably too far for her drive anyway What size bolt do you use for the mod?

 

[2gmitsueclipse]

I was just sharing what I do. I was just getting at the ease it would take someone with small hands. Not sure what you mean in regard to the bolt for the "mod".

 

[RidleyNoah]

I was just sharing what I do. I was just getting at the ease it would take someone with small hands. Not sure what you mean in regard to the bolt for the "mod".

I know, I was just joking with you. The bolt I was talking about is the one that some guys have installed in the slot on the actuator arm to take up the play.

 

[petegsx]

Me being the dummy I am... is there a video for this somewhere? It would make it easier to do if I could watch it being done. I have never had 1 break on any of my cars in the past but it happened to me last weekend

 

[2gmitsueclipse]

I know, I was just joking with you. The bolt I was talking about is the one that some guys have installed in the slot on the actuator arm to take up the play.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/driver-door-handle.457468/#post-153202462

In the post I made a while back, I stated that a nut was not needed. I ended up putting one on as a RallyCross event managed to knock it out.

 

[speedster39]

YouTube: How to prevent 2g handles from breaking

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[RidleyNoah]

http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/driver-door-handle.457468/#post-153202462

In the post I made a while back, I stated that a nut was not needed. I ended up putting one on as a RallyCross event managed to knock it out.

Thanks. I figured I'd put a nut on it. Kind of a lot of work pulling the door handle just to do this mod but my passenger side is getting really bad.

 

[ohTONYoh]

As for where to buy them, Ebay is the best I've found and I've literally tried almost all of them. All the parts stores have the super thin and cheap handles. But the ones you get from ebay are thicker and you can feel they are stronger. They almost felt oem compared to my oem handles.

 

[Doubleot]

Replaced mine with a cheap one from amazon. I did the bolt mod and I have yet to have an issue.

 

[fi3ndx]

Wow thanks for all the help guys, wasn't expecting this many replies.

 

[lasershark]

The most difficult part of this job is removing the small bolt securing the handle inside the door. Even more difficult to get it back in unless you know someone with small hands.

This made me laugh, I just did my driver-side last weekend... Wife was at work your time estimate wasn't too far off!

Fyi to the OP and others @danielsl1999gsx is slinging some of the door repair/reinforcement kits
http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/2g-door-handle-repair-kit.507785/