Exterior Door Handles - How Many Different Manufactureres ?

[Solarguy]

This question came up in a search through the forum but never answered. Does anyone know how many different companies are making exterior door handles for E Body Mopars. 1970 Cuda in particular. I know about the different curves of the handle between Cuda and Challangers. I see offerings from OER, PG and Stephens Performance and just about any Mopar vendor with prices all over the map. Does anyone have any industry insight and who's the Best. Thanks

 

[Xcudame]

In searching the internet, I found the following:

Mopar E Body 70-74 BARRACUDA Exterior Door Handles with Gaskets

Detroit Muscle Technologies, LLC Mopar restoration gaskets

www.detroitmuscletechnologies.com

Used to be the after market handles were flat with no curve and sorta fit both Dodge and Plymouth but was obviously not right.

 

[Solarguy]

Thanks for the reply. There are plenty of handles available in the aftermarket. I know the flat,convex,concave differences between Cuda and Challenger handles.

What I'm trying to figure out is, is there a choice of Different manufactures or are all the vendors selling the same product.

 

[toolmanmike]

Thanks for the reply. There are plenty of handles available in the aftermarket. I know the flat,convex,concave differences between Cuda and Challenger handles.

What I'm trying to figure out is, is there a choice of Different manufactures or are all the vendors selling the same product.

Good luck finding out. The resellers don't reveal their sources. There may be a dozen manufacturers or just 1 or 2. 99% chance they are made in China like most repop parts. Next question, why does it matter?

 

[Solarguy]

why does it matter?

Seriously?? Before I fork out bucks for any restoration part, I like to know whats available and what others have used with success.

 

[Chally]

Seriously?? Before I fork out bucks for any restoration part, I like to know whats available and what others have used with success.

I used a pair for my Challenger from Dales Cuda Shop as I had read good reviews on the forums and Dales confirmed the handles had the proper curve. I’m happy with the fit and quality.

 

[Katfish]

I would go with DMT, he's a Mopar guy and products are top notch.

 

[Solarguy]

Having seen them in person years ago, The ones from Dales were nice. As far as I know, those are no longer available.

Agree on Jim/DMT. his paint gaskets are all over my car.

 

[toolmanmike]

Seriously?? Before I fork out bucks for any restoration part, I like to know whats available and what others have used with success.

My point was why does it matter who makes them or where they come from as long as they are correct. Another point is the suppliers aren't going to let you in on who makes them for them. Most aftermarket parts are made buy just a select few manufacturers overseas. Everybody buys from the same place pretty much. That was my point.

 

[Xcudame]

@toolmanmike, you nailed it! They don't want the consumer to know who makes their products because there is a huge markup on a lot of stuff!

 

[6PKRTSE]

I have repops on my blue 70' Challenger. Forgot where I ordered them from? Classic Industries I believe. The fit and finished is good. Good enough for my car anyway.

 

[terrywalker]

I will say that the early reproduction e-body handles did not have the cone shaped rubber bumper behind the pull up handle like the original handles used. They had a glued on rubber strip to act as the bumper. I jus got a pir of handles and they have the cone shaped rubber bumper that pulls thru a hole in the handle body like the originals. Something to be aware of if you need a correct appearing handle. Here's a few photos to show the difference. The first one shows the rubber strip on an early repro handle. The second photo shows the rubber bumper (flattened due to age) on an original. The third photo shows the difference in the backs.
Terry W.