door handles

[a2l1]

I just got a new to me 1995 astro Regency conversion and all the handles are messed up one way or the other. I have gotten three of them to work but the drivers one is simply toast. I was calling around to try to find one and had several parts people tell me that most mid series GM handles will work although some are chrome and some are body color. According to these guys they will bolt on and work. I am guessing that if they do interchange there will be a price variance depending on the model and some may actually be cheaper.
Does anyone know if there is an interchange for these? Will other model handles really bolt in and work properly?

A J

[Phantom]

Try the Dorman brand part #77193 door handle, available at auto parts stores in the Help section ,
cost about $20
rockauto.com also has parts available


only astro and safari handles will work properly

Does anyone know if there is an interchange for these? Will other model handles really bolt in and work properly?

[paintdrying]

I found a dorman on rock auto, i think 15 bucks, I have had good luck with rockauto

[a2l1]

I went to the local Advance and picked up a Dorman handle assembly. It was $26 bucks, close,new and easy. I now have to figure out how to remove the old one and get this one on. Looking at it just seems like mission impossible but there has to be a way because people here have replaced them. Looking at it one would think that a portion of the door would have to be cut away for access.
Anyone changed one of these out? Any tips?

Thanks,

A J

[Phantom]

There are links with pictures as several people have posted here , use the search and you will find them

[a2l1]

I searched and found a couple of posts about changing out handles but didnt see any with pictures. One post mentioned drilling a 1 inch hole but no photos as to where, I will try to work it out and I will take pictures so maybe it will help out later. I am going in blind with this because I have never done any of these handles so dont have a starting reference but I will give it a shot.

Thanks,

A J

[94 Van Guy]

AJ,

I looked and didn't find the photos. I remember where a member changed his and did have photos. If you keep searching you may find them.

Good luck, Keith

[Phantom]

Here are links to the threads with the pictures

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=2495&hilit=door+handle+nut+access&start=30

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=2495&hilit=door+handle+nut+access&start=20

[a2l1]

WOW, wonder why I couldnt find it. Guess the searches and I just arent in tune. Thanks a bunch for the links they are just what I needed, Thats three times you have helped in different forums maybe I should just put you on the Christmas list

Thanks again,

A J

[paintdrying]

Phantom is on my Christmas list as well. He always comes through for us.

[a2l1]

Well I did my door handle and with the cuts I made it is a simple and pretty quick job. Its all in now and works like a hot knife through butter. I just had to bring myself to cut the metal on the truck. There is a hole you can see just above the latch assembly that I will cover with a knock out cover or a gm plastic plug. The second hole, more of a slot really will not be seen with the panel back on the door and doesnt weaken the structure so its a win win deal.
Lubed all the window channels and mechanism, cleaned the window gear lubed and siliconed it, all the locks and door mechanism as well.Works better than new now, I neglected to take pics but the next time I open the door I will post the photos.

Well done chaps. Couldnt have done it without the group. I wish to thank all of you ---- THANKS!!

[interestingfellow]

well, looks like you have it under control. but if not, i've swapped out all the doorhandles on my 90, and they are a beach.

you'll neet a 10mm box wrench, stubby is best, and a small (as in physical size, not tip size) flat blade screwdriver. once in the door, roll up the window, reach in the the screw driver and pop of the rod retainers from the handle's mechanisms (pay attention to how they are installed). then, using approximately 1000 turns, 6 busted knuckles, and a sore forearm, use the stubby 10mm box wrench to undo the two nuts. finess out the old handle, finess in the new handle, and get some carni folk with small hands to start and run down the two nuts. tighten with said box wrench. tip: lube the nuts and threads before re-installing, with kroil, krazy oil, or pb blaster, before having the carni thread the nuts back on.

good luck, and let us know how it went!

[a2l1]

Actually what I did was to take the screws out of the latch assembly so it could move freely and used a hole saw to cut a hole almost above the latch in line with the factory one below. Then on the inside just where the rod for the lock mechanism passes to the latch I removed that metal strip to the opening above with a cut-off wheel. Kind of hard to describe but I will take photos when I remove the panel again. This slot let me move the latch assembly easier and I didnt disconnect anything yet.
With the latch assembly moved towards the inner door there was plenty of room to slide the socket and extension in and remove the nuts on the outer door handle assembly. From the outside I pulled the handle out, it will not come all the way out unless you pull it open like opening the door. With it opened like that it will clear and come all the way out. The linkage rod is still attached. Now with it out of the door and with enough room that you can use both hands you can remove the linkage from the old handle and pop it on the new one without a problem. Open the handle, slide it back in place replace the holding nuts, move the latch assembly back in place (easy to do now that there is a slot for your fingers) replace the screws holding the latch, lube everything up real good, and that it. Before I buttoned it up I covered up the slot( even though it is behind the door panel and will not be seen) and the new access hole with metal tape, the stuff they use for air conditioning ducts. Replaced the door panel and that was it.
If you dont count the time for cutting the slot and the extra hole it takes 5-8 minutes max. Im not saying that this is the purists way or even anything close to the manual, just saying it is quick and easy and wont cause and damaged knuckles or scare the neighbors kids when they hear all those "new" words.