Exterior door handles install/issues

[denson]

Is there a weak point in the door handles for a 1970 911. I went to open the drivers door and when pulling in the latch, it stayed stuck in and I heard items hitting the inner door bottom. Not good! I opened up the door, took the handle off and found the pin that goes in and out (surrounded by a spring) cracked off and broke. It seems to be made of white metal and cannot be re-attached.

I bought a good used unit, but the latch seems to not extend out (towards car body) as much as the passenger side handle does and there is little travel. The door opens, but something does not seem right. Does anyone have thoughts on this?

Also, has anyone used the repro that SMC sells? I am curious if it is a high quality product. I do not use repro items much and would rather just stay with the good used one I purchased.

Thank you for the help!

John

[blucille]

I've had a variety of issues with a bunch of handles over the years.

I've found two different kinds of release lever attachments, where they hook into the metal around the lock cylinder. One, the latch handle wraps around the lock cyl, the other is 'keyed' into the cyl....the second type seems more fragile to me, a little play and it simply pops off. On my car, it would still open the door, but only in the last little bit of travel as you squeezed the handle.

I'll head out to the barn and take some photos in a bit.

overall, I wasn't pleased with repros and found the best result to seek out good used parts.

[fourteenten]

A few pics:
There are differences in the pin with spring, the front mounting bolt how it is attached to the handle etc.

Rgds, Cees

[denson]

Thanks Sonnett and Cees. The bolt which sticks out holds the lever and eventually goes through the door. My issue is that the lever has little travel and is pushed closer to the handle than the door. So, if you are looking down at the handle, the lever is further from the door as compared to the passenger side. When I open the door little effort is used. I think, and I only had the handle in my hands once, is that that bolt may be adjustable as it was not set and was threaded top to bottom.

Cees, could you check that out if you have a handle handy. If I am correct, I have to open the door up again!

[fourteenten]

John,

The front bolt that holds the trigger should be in all the way, and I am sure it does but you can only tell when you take out the door handle completely. Other option is that the pin that needs to touch the plate of the lock system is too short. What I have seen is that albeit different version over the years, they are still the same size. It could be that the lock system plate is bent a little backwards (to the inside of the door) so it barly touches the pin. If the pin is too short, change it out to the other one or extent it with a piece of pipe. Again, you have to take the handle out.

Hope it makes sense!

Cees

[cruggles]

The same exact thing just happened to my new 70 911E on it's maiden voyage today. Closed the door, latch stayed in and parts hit the bottom of the inside of the door. Not the best experience with my new baby! Time to find a replacement. Anyone have one they are looking to unload?



Chris

[denson]

The same part broke for me. There are a few on ebay right now. You really need to just un-screw the lever and move it to your handle with the spring and pin. You may want to take out the lock cylinder and spray it, the spring and pin down with a good oil penetrator. If you do, make sure as you take the lock cylinder out that none of the clips which slide into each side of the lock cylinder come out. On mine there were two per cylinder side. When that white metal piece snapped off it bothered me and I wanted to know why. I think in my case, and perhaps your's, the release mechnisim, which the lever pin (pin inside the spring) hits when you activate the lever is driedd out. I got into the door with de-greasers and cleaned it up, greased and lubed it and pushed it in and out with my fingers. It definately freed up and will be easier on the pin in the futre.

Good luck! pm me if you need help.

John

[fourteenten]

As you mentioned, clean all the parts, insert the piece with the pin back on the body and wrap a piece of metal wire around the top. It will stay! Darn it won't it is really broken...Sorry! but I have a few spare ones. Will PM you.

Cees

[Ned911]

Replacement pulls available on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-911-...pTtcE5&vxp=mtr