I just came across this thread. I did not want to be erroneous in my post as I wanted to put some careful thought and do a little research before making any comments. As someone who collects NOS parts, I can assure you that the recent influx of NOS door handles that have surfaced came from a closed dealership when GM downsized after our recent recession began. The handles were sold at an auction and purchased by someone who had some insight, but not enough background to appropriately price them; hence, the lower than usual pricing (After doing some research, this person has let me know that the price is going up as they have been sold too cheap) I have had several NOS sets of handles prior to these sets, and with different box styles, most from the 80s, 90s, and early 00s. I managed to get a few more sets, but will not be getting any more after what I have left is gone.
(Different box styles that I have)
If there is any board member on this site that purchases NOS parts and inspects them with as careful of an eye for differences and variations of NOS parts from the beginning of our 67-72 parts run until discontinued, only a few come to mind that do it with as much fanatics as I do. Sometimes I feel that my hobby has turned into an obsession.
Nevertheless, here are some observations to help address concerns I have noted:
BOX
When comparing the newer batch of NOS handles’ boxes to the earlier 80s version box, you can see that both were made by Bay Corrugated Container Inc. and have the requirement seal. They do differ a bit, but it is not uncommon for companies to change the look of packaging from one decade to the next.
CASTING NUMBERS
When comparing the newer NOS handle to the ones I have from the 80s, there is no difference.
CHROME / MECHANICS
All of the NOS handles have owned have been the same: none are perfect, all have some flaw somewhere, and the markings in every spot of the handle are identical. I am talking all of the earlier versions that I have owned, including these. If you are looking for flawless chrome, you will need to open many boxes and search. GM did not produce their parts for perfection. From the many NOS items that I have owned and currently own, I can assure you that very few are flawless.
It is sad that Frank and others have had problems. I have opened all of my boxes and inspected each part as if I were going to use it myself.
I only found one handle with a notable flaw (speck) in the chrome. It is a small speck where the chrome did not adhere correctly. However, there are minute blemishes that can be seen on virtually all of the handles. Very few make it out blemish-free. For example, door sills. NOS door sills are anything but high quality and well-polished. Most have a rough surface where the chrome was not buffed out thoroughly. However, the aftermarket door seal shine bright and smooth.
GM BARCODES
GM began barcoding their replacement parts sometime in the 90s when computer inventory began to take hold. Keep in mind, that the barcodes were used to eliminate paperwork. Existing part numbers were assigned a bar code that corresponds to that number. Keep in mind, just because it’s GM, does not mean that it’s NOS. NOS simply refers to a replacement part that is new that is no longer produced. There are many variations of this, based on production runs. Many parts from earlier production runs are impossible to differentiate from newer production runs, while some are more apparent (i.e. casting/part numbers missing or different). I have posted some various NOS parts with barcodes (85 fender, inner door handle, radiator cap, washer pump, random part)
PLEASE NOTE: Barcodes have changed, and you can see this often times when a new label is stuck right over an older label. You can see that on Randy’s (teeitup) picture, and I have posted some as well. Notice the different placement of the print due to the change of the barcode length. Why? Not sure. Counterfeits? No. Let’s think critically here for a moment: If by theory, someone had taken the time to locate the original tooling for the handles, recreate the boxes down to the last detail, the probability of recreating an old version of a barcode label, and then making a newer version of a barcode label to apply directly on top is less than that of winning the Powerball Lotto. No crook would put that much effort (or have that much brains to think it through) for a $200 dollar part that has a limited market.
(See the imprint of the old label under the new label)
GM ORDER TAG
On one of the door handles that I bought, it had the original GM order tag for the LH handles. Quantity is for 107 LH handles. Compare it the GM Bulk order tag for door bumpers. It has the same format.
(See Pictures)
Again, If by theory, someone had taken the time to locate the original tooling, recreate the boxes down to the last detail, created two versions of the label (sticking one on top of another) AND recreating an order tag and sticking it on only one box ( I have not seen any more on the LH door handles besides this one) makes no sense.
My overall feeling on these handles
They are genuine GM parts. They are later production runs and are NOS because they are no longer made. Few are flawless, but most NOS parts are not. I know that the there is a high level of subjectivity in terms of how old a part has to be before some accept it as NOS. Here is some food for thought: wine does not have to be aged 40 years to be wine. A 10 year old bottle of wine may not be as desired by certain connoisseurs as the 40 year old bottle, but it is still wine. However, the buyer has to be happy with their purchase.
I hope this post helps.
-Richard