[darnellsgarage]

Need exterior door handles re-chromed. Classic Alfa has ‘em for $318 for a pair. Thinking it might be similar money to re-plate. Better / cheaper just to buy them?

 

[divotandtralee]

The clamshell handles are a little tricky to plate and probably EXPENSIVE with mixed results .. I think they are one of the worst ergonomic designs in the auto world..(excuse the Venting) .. I have heard the repops are not up to snuff. If they are not perfectly adjusted you oil can the door.. ask me how I know...and newbies who "lift and pull" will do that . The Pax side is usually the one that gets no use and sticks. For my money I would fish for a set of original NOS.. They are out there.

 

[gprocket]

Repops are ok ( not perfect), definitely cheaper than what I've been quoted for replating. Divo is right about the design - not a fan. We routinely reinforce the backside of the door skin locally with another layer of sheet metal, glued in place with 3M panel adhesive.

 

[yvesmontreal]

You usually end up replacing a GTV door handle because the little lever that pushes down on the latch is broken. I wouldn't invest to get a 50 years old handle replated.

 

[darnellsgarage]

Thanks fellas, appreciate the input.

 

[bfeng]

Repops are ok ( not perfect), definitely cheaper than what I've been quoted for replating. Divo is right about the design - not a fan. We routinely reinforce the backside of the door skin locally with another layer of sheet metal, glued in place with 3M panel adhesive.

Great advice, perfect timing as my doors have just been stripped to bare metal. What thickness, 20ga (1mm)?

John

 

[Alfajay]

You usually end up replacing a GTV door handle because the little lever that pushes down on the latch is broken. I wouldn't invest to get a 50 years old handle replated.

Well yes, that little lever does eventually crack and break off. But that isn't the part that usually needs re-chroming. On my GT, the handle - the part that moves - was a bit dull, but not pitted. The oval-shaped surround was was the part that needed attention, due to pitting.

You'll need to disassemble your handles if you want to have them re-plated. And you can re-plate just the surrounds for < $318 a pair. Plus, you're not getting into changing locks or having mis-matched keys when you retain your handles. If that little lever breaks off down the road, you now have nuts & bolts - instead of rivets - holding your latch together, so it's easy to swap in a used part.

Admittedly, this is the cheapskate's approach; if the repro handles fit OK and you want a 100 point result, replacing the whole handle assembly is probably the way to go. But if your goal is a presentable driver, consider just re-plating the surround.