[jimib]

Started to install my exterior door handles today. Regarding the rod that goes through the door and engages the latch that opens the door; is this rod supposed to be cut for proper adjustment?

[Chief of the 60's]

Some GM ones are cut to fit. I know nothing about repops

[SR-71]

Most reproductions are model specific so if you ordered a set for 66-67 Pontiac A-body ie GTO, Tempest, LeMans they should fit without cutting. Some carry generic ones to fit GM A-bodies. They may fit but you won't know until you try.

[Chief of the 60's]

Hey OP, do you still have the originals?

[jimib]

Originally Posted by Chief of the 60's

Hey OP, do you still have the originals?

I may have the originals around somewhere. I’ll match up the rod length of the new with the old. The new one is just too long.

[Chief of the 60's]

Originally Posted by jimib

I may have the originals around somewhere. I’ll match up the rod length of the new with the old. The new one is just too long.

Use the old ones and cut the new ones to length. If you can't find them I'll see if I have any NOS ones left. Even if I have the GM cut to fit ones there is a diagram that comes with them that tells you where to cut.

[GT182]

I bought a set of outside door handles (with all parts and gaskets) from OPG a few years ago. They were advertised as being for 66, 67 and 71-74 X body. When I wnent to install them the bars weren't long enough. I called and they said they were correct and would not accept a return as the packages were opened. I said how in hell would I know they wouldn't work if I didn't open them up and try to install them. After 30 minutes of telling them they were the wrong ones in a heated discussion, they said they send 2 sets of the button and bar sets. I got the replacements and they worked, and I tossed the wrong bars in the trash.

So call whoever you bought them from and get replacements.e

[jimib]

Originally Posted by GT182

I bought a set of outside door handles (with all parts and gaskets) from OPG a few years ago. They were advertised as being for 66, 67 and 71-74 X body. When I wnent to install them the bars weren't long enough. I called and they said they were correct and would not accept a return as the packages were opened. I said how in hell would I know they wouldn't work if I didn't open them up and try to install them. After 30 minutes of telling them they were the wrong ones in a heated discussion, they said they send 2 sets of the button and bar sets. I got the replacements and they worked, and I tossed the wrong bars in the trash.

So call whoever you bought them from and get replacements.e

Thankfully I have the rods too long and I can cut them.
We don’t need this nonsense when trying to piece things together, especially a ground-up resto (like mine). I’ve always found OPGI to be over-priced. Ames Performance is reasonable but delivery takes 4 to 5 days to reach South Florida.

[Chief of the 60's]

If it is a "ground-up resto" then why bother with repop?

[Greg Reid]

They may make them longer so you CAN cut them to length. When I was assembling my car, I had access to a box of originals. I picked the best two I could find and had to swap the button on at least one to get two that were the right length for my a-body....So, the originals came in different lengths.

[jimib]

Originally Posted by Chief of the 60's

If it is a "ground-up resto" then why bother with repop?

Well; what I imply is a resto-mod that has a somewhat modern technology but an appearance of the original factory car. My intention is to drive this car often but not my daily getting around car.

Currently:
Butler Performance 400 block engine, Stroker kit, 525 HP, 525 torque
American Autowire wiring
Original Turbo 400 trans (auto on the tree)
69 Chevelle 12 bolt rear (drum brakes)

Eventually:
6-speed Tremac transmission
Power windows
Moser rear end with disc brakes
Loud sound system (rock and roll) (-:

[Chief of the 60's]

Originally Posted by jimib

Well; what I imply is a resto-mod that has a somewhat modern technology but an appearance of the original factory car. My intention is to drive this car often but not my daily getting around car.

Currently:
Butler Performance 400 block engine, Stroker kit, 525 HP, 525 torque
American Autowire wiring
Original Turbo 400 trans (auto on the tree)
69 Chevelle 12 bolt rear (drum brakes)

Eventually:
6-speed Tremac transmission
Power windows
Moser rear end with disc brakes
Loud sound system (rock and roll) (-:

Gotcha. Did you find your old buttons? I'm going out to my parts room in a bit and can see if I have any NOS ones that might provide you some info.

[jimib]

Originally Posted by Chief of the 60's

Gotcha. Did you find your old buttons? I'm going out to my parts room in a bit and can see if I have any NOS ones that might provide you some info.

I'll search tomorrow.

[Chief of the 60's]

Okay, I have some NOS cut-to-fit ones but none with the cutting instructions but I did find a couple of NOS direct fit ones. These are specific to '66-'67 only.

[Geoff]

I have used two sets of 66-67 exterior door handles, no mods reqd.

If you intend to keep the car & want the nice, new Chinese chrome to last, then send the handles to a good chrome plater & have them strip & re-chrome the handles.

Otherwise, wait for the pitting to start....

[GT182]

Originally Posted by jimib

I’ve always found OPGI to be over-priced.

On that I whole heartedly agree. Same with Year One. NPD is also reasonable... more so on certain items than anyone else. An example for NPD is the 16 spline rag joint assembly (Steering joint coupling) price that no one else can beat.

What I find funny with these different parts houses is that each has parts the other do not have, whether correct or not.... and prices for the same part from each are less or more expensive than the others.