A couple weeks back I was leaving work(the old job for those following along). There if I was last out and ups had picked up I'd lock the gate after I pulled my car out. I got the pull the inside handle to open hhe door and it comes off in my hand. I was kinda mad and kinda sad. Hard to know how many times I had pulled it to get out. One thing for sure I needed a replacement.
So I hit the interwebz to see what I could find. As far as I could tell there is a Chinese made and a Taiwan made replacement. I thought about going the used route but then ih is the 25 yr old pot metal again and I didn't want to have to replace it again any time soon.
I found a Taiwan made piece on eBay for like $12 w/free shipping. So I'm thinking I can't get a used one shipped for that so I ordered it. It came pretty quick but with the new job, and then the second day of the new job the silly think would not start. Turned out to br the pump relay I put on in May. I got a replacement on order and bought another from their competitor to see if it will last any longer. The counter guy tells me it has a lifetime warranty. I told him a lifetime warranty doesn't get me to work. Any way back to the door handle.
A week or so ago I pulled the door panel. I found a build sheet, which was a side cool. I was pretty sure he handle was riveted on but wanted to be sure. I started the search for our pop rivet gun and rivets. I located them this am so i pulled the door panel again and drilled out the rivets. Pulled the old handle and tried to put the new one in. The silly thing didn't line up with the holes.
So I massage the bracket a bit so it will line up and I can rivet it on. Be sure to attach the actuator rod to the handle before riveting. Or you will have to drill the new rivets to get the rod attached.
Worked great. We will see how long it lasts.
On a side note, I found some carnage while hunting the rivet gun.
I bet a few of us have experienced this.
The rod bolts held. Too bad the rod turned loose.
