Need Advise about shaving.

[tech1]

Ok Guys. I need your advise about shaving my door handels. The body shop just called and told me they put my corners and rockers on and filled the gas neck hole. They asked me if I was going to shave the handels. They have never done it but are willing to. I just need to get them info on it and what is the best kit. I am not puting power windows or locks in. Also do you remove the locks from the inside also? Any and all info would be great. Thanks

[XXL]

Always make sure the face is warm and moist. After applying the shave cream, work... oh wait...

To shave the door handles, you won't need any of the existing lock or latch mechanisms except the catch itself. All a lock does is disable the handle, so since there are no handles, you don't need locks. A number of kits are available these days (try AutoLoc for a wide selection or look on Ebay). What you'll need is a solenoid with a pretty strong pull since these trucks are old and heavy. It's got to be strong enough to yank the catch open. You'll probably also want what are usually called 'door poppers.' These mount down where the rubber bump stop goes and they give the door a little kick out when opened. I personally don't like them because they can put pre-tension on the door latch, making it harder for the solenoid to pop the door... but it does make it easier to get your fingers in the jam when it pops.

I've had a dozen vehicles with shaved handles and have done them all different ways. My current truck uses hatch release motors from F-body hatches. I believe the same motor is used for most GM trunks (except the ones that close themselves). I did a cantilever system to get more pull distance than the motor could provide, but it's got plenty of umph to do the extra work the cantilever causes.



Kenneth

[tech1]

Great thanks. Do you guys like the shaved look? Is there any good complete kits out there? I want to make this as easy for the shop as I can. Thanks

[old Rusty C10]

i perfer the normal stock look but its a matter of your personal tastes

[XXL]

Originally posted by tech1
Great thanks. Do you guys like the shaved look? Is there any good complete kits out there? I want to make this as easy for the shop as I can. Thanks

There is no 100% bolt-in kit that I'm aware of. They are all going to be "universal" and will require some trial and error fitting. While they're shaving, think about what you want to do with the old door lock knob. Here's what I did. I shaved the bump on the inside of the door too

[tech1]

OK that looks great. But how about instead of shaving them. Puting new style chevy truck handles? Can it be done and has anyone here? Thanks Guys

[tech1]

TTT

[68CST327]

I wouldn't put newer style handles on there, it would ruin the look of the truck as far as I'm concerned. IMO nothing beats the stock door handles for cosmetic factor and functionality.

By the way, I wouldn't even think about shaving the handles, but that's just my opinion. Unless you have a super-duper tricked out, bagged, custom painted, etc. truck, then shaving stuff looks lame to me.

[tech1]

OK It is going to be a custom job. It will have a 3-4 drop, shaved dash pad, balzer tank, cowl hood, 700r4, 17" or 18" and baby blue color


Thanks

[68CST327]

I'd stick with the original style handles.

[Long Knight]

If your going custom, you must be wanting to be a little different. I say go for it. I think it would be great to see a flush door handle like they have on new trucks. Sometimes you don't want to do things because it looks good, but because its new and different. And you know what, even if it doesn't look good, as long at it is a cool idea and totally custom, someone will say, "That looks great!" Good luck!