How to Convert Front Door Handles to Fit the Rear Doors on your Early-A

-

ChrisRomello

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2017
Messages
559
Reaction score
738
Location
Cocoa, Florida
Unfortunately, our more-doors don’t get the same love and attention as their “sportier” 2-door counterparts. This is also true when it comes to the parts department. But when it comes to your exterior door handles it’s actually really easy to convert a set of new front door handles to fit your rear doors!
23D57104-5CC6-46FF-AD3F-6C86174208A8.jpeg
As you can see, the push ro on a rear door handle is different from the front. You start by turning the push rod upside down by removing the stud and screw on the back
95506180-2349-4107-A0A4-900D7CD92560.jpeg

I used a vise grip to remove the stud
279A6005-6594-4F52-BF5D-6F1D753A7F55.jpeg

This is what it looks like flipped around

Next you have to bend the rod to match the shape that a rear door handle has
281CEF9F-807A-4022-B8FF-455F4AC4F526.jpeg

Bend until the vise grip bottoms out like this:
83AD58E0-B012-49C2-9ADF-E6D03CABF3D0.jpeg

Then you can use a small deep-socket to bend it the rest of the way
6D760531-8457-4A5A-B879-711990B4FBF0.jpeg

Now you have to bend it the other way; make sure your visegrip is TIGHT!
996569DD-7580-41A1-8161-8299C8D877D2.jpeg


08650564-C764-42C4-9D51-0E13FA9ACBC6.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Just a thought... Couldnt you swap the front rod and dicast part for a rear one?
 
So when you reverse the shaft direction you are flipping the button over?
 
Or just rechrome your old button and install it in the new handle.
 
-
Back
Top