I had decided to use paddle style door handles on the outside of my Autocar doors, because I have a bunch of them that I got at a swapmeet. After installing them in the skinless door, I realize they are of such poor quality that they won't work and now I can't find better ones of the same style that I can afford. It is time to move on! My other choice is something more original. My original latch mechanisms and handles are junk, so I am using bear claw latches. (Already mounted) I need some sort of mechanism that will hold the new handle in the door, the handle will be mounted below the window so I have quite a bit of room to work with. I think this is from an early nova, might work, but I would like the 3/8 square shaft, so I can fit older style handles. Has anyone done something like this before? I'm open to any and all ideas. Notice how low the handle is mounted and of course suicide doors.
I've seen and used some very traditional looking handles with in built key locks used by Bus Companies and builders. In fact I used them on my conventional cab truck.
That's what I was thinking also.. Albeit a little pricey https://www.iowa80.com/pd/peterbilt-ss-round-door-latch-and-keyhole-trim/25853/
I'm not a huge fan of the paddle latches, something older style would fit the lines of your truck better IMO. Like below. Would be pretty simple to make an inner support and attach a lever on the end.
I'm using the above units on cab and sleeper . I needed 5 but had to buy 3 pair . Got that from Bob Drake and they are all keyed the same . Blue
Yeah wetskier, Peterbilt is proud of their stuff, the 25.99 is for the paper thin stainless trim that gets double sided taped over the latch. RMR&C, I agree that the paddles didn't look quite right, but price was steering my decision. LOL I've been thinking about these. They're supposed to be interior handles, but if I'm making the mount, I can make them work on the outside also. Wish I knew exactly how long they are, I've seen them listed by multiple vendors plus Lokars website, but no one mentions size. I could use a separate toolbox type cam lock. They are steel, so they should stand up OK. I also have lots of stainless in different sizes and shapes, maybe I should just carve out my own. (damn that stuff is hard to work with)
Was trying to find a photo like that as they are similar to what I used on my F4 Cab. I got mine from a Bus parts supply company. Mine also worked well with aftermarket bear claw latches.
I like the look of no handles, but I don't like the idea of poppers on a suicide door, a glitch at 70MPH would be devastating. HOTFR8, I went to your albums, but none of your pictures show what you have. Was talking to a neighbor last night, he has a Chevelle parts car that I'm going to take the interior handle mounts from. I'll see if they might be a solution, if not then I'll do as RMR&C suggested with the old style handle and square shank. Too darned cold here today to work in the garage, may end up a tavern day. LOL
I do not think I have ever photographed the handles. They would be very similar to what was posted above and what I quoted. Unlike you it is to hot to work today. Best photo I have at present.
Hey Steve , don't know if your interested in some SS handles that you would have to build an adapter for . A 1" square that you would need to put a small shaft on . They are solid so could be bent maybe or trimmed down . Price is right , just shipping. I also have some repop Chevy truck without locks if interested let me know and I'll find them tomorrow after I finished painting. Blue
WOW, I think I found the candy store! I looked at some of this stuff today at Menards, (building supply store) quality looks great, some are various different size square shafts. one is set up for a 5 sided shaft. (wft) https://www.handlesets.com/door-levers/c3860?F1351=p***age Blue, the one you show is a bit industrial for my tastes, thanks for the offer anyway.
Here is what I came up with today. 68 Chevelle inner door handle mounts. (free from a friends parts car) All I had to do was shovel 2 ft of snow away so I could open the doors. I bought this complete household lock set for $30, will have to make an adapter to fit the chevy parts. There will be very little chrome on the truck, so these will get painted black, or body color The handle looks small in the picture but is a bit larger than the original Autocar part. Thanks guys for getting my juices flowing on this little part of the puzzle, I was dead in the water on it.
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