Door handle Question (inside)

[brad`]

Ok first of all i finally got my hands on a set of 4 chrome door handles thanks too 'LG' (who was very understanding). I came into a problreme while trying to fit them

ok so i took the trim off, and when i went to take the handle off it looks as if it is riveted in by something.. any idea on what it is and how to take it out and change it over so i can put the new handles in ?

I have a Series 1 Fairmont if that helps

[b2tf]

On series I models they are riveted in - you have to drill these out to fit the new ones. Series II and III they didnt rivet them so its just an unscrew and replace job.

Just get a drill bit that is about the size of the middle of the rivet and drill it out (carefully).

[mattp]

Or you can just swap the chrome bit for the black plastic old one. It's a fiddly #%$#$@ of a job, but not too bad once you get the hang of it.

[brad`]

haha why carefully ?
and how do i fasten the other ones to the door ? bolts or rivets as well ? (never used a rivet gun)

[JMO]

You'd use screw of a similar diameter of the drilled out hole. They only have to be 1-1.5 cm long from memory.

[brad`]

sounds confusing hahah

[RG]

Originally Posted by brad`

sounds confusing hahah

Not really, if it does you probably should just leave it alone though. Drill out the centre of the rivets with a small bit and to put the new handles in go to a hardware store and find some stubby screws that are a touch larger that the hole that they are going into so they can get a good grip. Easy.

[superroo]

Originally Posted by b2tf

On series I models they are riveted in - you have to drill these out to fit the new ones. Series II and III they didnt rivet them so its just an unscrew and replace job.

Just get a drill bit that is about the size of the middle of the rivet and drill it out (carefully).

Don't do this, just change the handle part over.

We really need to get the technical information back onto aufalcon, when the site changed we never put this stuff back up, which is a shame.

Here is falkeens article on how to change handles

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ____________

AU chrome handle installation

Author - Falkeen

Here is my procedure on replacing the standard AU series 1 interior door handles with the chrome T-Series items.

I replaced all four handles (because the original handles didnt look right with the new black interior), this cost $100 for the set, but most people just do the two front doors. Personal choice, but in my opinion it looks much better having things all matching nicely.

T-Series chrome door handle
Part No. ER F 22600 B - R/H side
.............. ER F 22601 B - L/H side

Removing the old handle

This is the main issue with this modification. On the Series 1 models the handle is riveted onto the inner skin of the door (only applies to series 1 as the handle plates were riveted to the door skin, whereas series2/3 were just screwed so can simply be replaced).

Notice the rivets on either side of the handle

After removing the door trim, you will find the door handle as above. The way i got around not being able to take the handle off because of the rivets, i only replaced the handle itself, leaving the original backing plate attached to the door.

To remove the handle, slide the white plastic shaft that the handle pivots off then disconnect it from the wire cable. The handle will now come free from the backing plate.

NOTE: The plastic shaft has a split in it to prevent it from sliding up and out, you can push this in from the side so that it slides out but i didn't bother as they were going to be discarded anyway.

The handle itself will now be free from the backing plate as shown

Installing The New Handle

First of all, the backing plate needs to be removed from the chrome handle as it is not needed. Pushing the split in on the plastic pin can be done easily as you can do it through the hole in the back of the mounting plate.

NOTE: Take note of how the spring is positioned in relation to everything as this will help when re-installing.

This is the fiddliest bit of the lot, re-assembling the handle onto the door (but when you think its either this or trying to remove the rivets and then re-fitting the entire handle, it doesnt feel so bad).

NOTE: Keep telling yourself this throughout this step as it helps confidence and morale.

FIRSTLY, re-attach the wire cable onto the handle! CANT BE DONE LATER (really hurts after finally getting the thing assembled then finding this).

Position the spring onto the mounting plate on the door and then carefully slide the new handle on, keeping the spring as much in place as possible (this is the hardest bit!), then slide the new plastic pin down through the holes and spring which holds everything in place.



JOB DONE!



You can now re-fit the door trim and it should look much better.

New handle installed (missing power window switch plate in this shot. doh!).




Now you have no excuses!

Falkeen

[InfernoSR]

Cant the new handle just be rivited in too?

[superroo]

Originally Posted by BLUEPRINT

Cant the new handle just be rivited in too?

It could but then if you ever needed to swap them again for some reason, you'd be back at the start. Much easier to just change the handle part and not the backing plate.

As Falkeen says, pay carefull attention to how it all comes apart. It will make it alot easier to put it back together.

Cheers

[WoodysXR6]

So how did you go with the handles?

[InfernoSR]

Originally Posted by superroo

It could but then if you ever needed to swap them again for some reason, you'd be back at the start. Much easier to just change the handle part and not the backing plate.

As Falkeen says, pay carefull attention to how it all comes apart. It will make it alot easier to put it back together.

Cheers

Sorry mate... but for me... it would be far easier to simply fork out for 8 new rivits at a time, or shell out for 8 screws (get from a wrecker from a series II or III if need be)...

BUT that being said... i have the mechanical ability and tools in order to do so. For those who dont, then I agree with the advice given.

[brad`]

havent had time, it keeps raining stupid victoria weather. i have got a garage so i gotta wait for it to stop raining. Hopefully monday, ill post pics and let you guys know when im all done, thanks for the help superroo

[brad`]

ok, so i got one in. must say chrome does look better on black then black on black. oh yeah "Falken" was wrong when he said its the most fideliest part.. its the most F***n annoying thing i have done on the car so far, worth it in the end tho. Thanks for the help.

Now i have 4 black handles if anyone is interested ? haha

[InfernoSR]

Originally Posted by brad`

Now i have 4 black handles if anyone is interested ? haha

Send me a pic and i might consider...

[WoodysXR6]

Chuck a Pic up of the doors trims now. :

[brad`]

ill post the door trims later tonight as well as the door handles too,

[brad`]

ok so hear is the pic of my handles in.

Regarding the black handles, i cant seem to put them back together haha, i installed them the way superroo suggested was easier by the way, i still have all the springs white poles and handles and backings still tho, just have to assemble it if you want them.

[InfernoSR]

Originally Posted by brad`

Regarding the black handles, i cant seem to put them back together haha, i installed them the way superroo suggested was easier by the way, i still have all the springs white poles and handles and backings still tho, just have to assemble it if you want them.

Send them up and i'll give it a crack... just aslong as their condition is still alright...

[brad`]

yeah good condtion, only 2 owners including my self, and i looked after them and so did the old lady that had it b4 me. Pm with ur address and details. you can have them for free as long as you pay postage