History When did they start shaving door handles?

When did builders start shaving door handles? Does any one have some pictures of those early cars that had shaved door handles?

Asking because my current project has shaved door handles. When was it done?, I don't know but they were gas welded and then metal prepped with lead. So, the question that is plaguing me is, Should I leave it alone or put the handles back on?

 

When? a looooong time ago sonny. I'm 67 now, when I was 11 a guy down the street had a Studebaker with shaved door handles.

 

That is a very interesting question, as I have often wondered that myself.

 

I'm with you, Don. The first ones I noticed were in the mid fifties, and I've seen pix of cars with shaved handles, taken WAY BEFORE THAT.

 

Ditto. An interesting question though.

 

when they got stuble

 

Ive seen alot of pictures from the lake beds with cars that had shaved handles. I think it came more from the hot rod, being the goal was to strip it down as much as possible. Customs started getting the same treatment only they finished it off with metal work and lead. That sound about right? I could be wrong, but its what makes sence to me..

 

I never shaved mine.My doors have a beard now.

 

I would have to say right before or right after the war..

 

I shaved my 51 shoe box in 56 at the Navy base auto shop, don't think I'm smart enought to have just come up with the idea my self so I must have seen one done in the So Cal area and copied it............

 

i think that after the 41 linc came out with the buttons it started there.saw pictures of alot of customs with linc buttons then no handles

 

There was a custom 33/4 Ford roadster that had shaved handles in '42 or '43
I'm betting some were done before the war...
It seems though that most had the handles till about '47.... seems to have gotten popular then?

In the June 1948 hot rod magazine theres a for sale add for a 40 convertible with "Elect. doors"

I'm building a custom car to resemble about 1941 and I'm leaving the handles on it...

Zach

 

I think we have a winner!

 

I think it was even prior to '41, as it was mentioned before, I have seen pics of cars out at El Mirage in the late 30's and up - I do believe they shaved them not only for the less weight, but also for the less wind drag.

 

I'd say right after Henry started fitting them in 1929. To open cars at least!

 

I have been thinking of shaving the one on my 53 Ford. but than maybe not. they do need replacing. Whats a mother to do

 

Or... when did they first put them on? Gary

 

Some sports cars such as Jaguar came from the factory without door handles in the 1930's.