Exterior handle, anyone know how to fix it?
 

So among all my other problems ie. converting to rear disks (don't know if I need new hubs from an 83 gsl to replace my 83 drum hubs), my temp and gas gauges being appox 25% off intermittently (i believe its a seasonal thing), and finding the time to fix all the other little problems (never enough time with school) I get in my car the other day to find that the handle is pulling away from the car, particularly the side toward the front of the car more than the right but that is pulling away as well. Curious if anyone know of a way to fix these without buying a new set. If I can't find a way to fix them I'm also toying with the idea of just shaving the handles, an idea that I've never been fond of on any car until I thought about them on this one. While that would be more work I could just shave everything and add a physical button in the wheel well... don't even need locks since the only thing that's even remotely going to be stolen in this car is the seats and extremely well hidden amp. IDK I'm off my own topic.

So anyone have any ideas on how to fix the stock handles or am I pretty much sol on these handles and in the market for new/used ones?

You talking about the outside door handle? If you got one of the tabs inside broken off swap the handles from the left hand side.

Sounds like the 2 nuts that hold the handle on are loose, with the window up pull the door panel titen the nuts, replace the panel and your good to go.

^ What Mike said.

I hope it's that easy, I was looking at pictures of the new kits and saw there was like a spring or something in there. I am able to pull the left side of the handle all the way out. I know I should just go pop it off and have a look myself to check but I've just been far too busy to get around to it.

Dose the handle still work? Is it falling apart or off the door?

Still works for the moment, I can hear something on the left side of the handle taping on the inside of the door panel when I pull on it and the right side is just kinda pulling away from the door when it hinges. I can understand the wear as I've had to close my doors harder since the black dragon seals were put on.

Get new ones here Cart Price Check Part:59-410C-8871 and then
install a remote lock kit since your in there with the door panels off. That will save them from
the stress of holding the handle up to lock it when you close the doors.

.

Did the same on my FC. I used red loctite. Check to make sure nothing is broken and if all good, just loose, use the loctite.

lift up on teh handle while you squat down and look at the handle. you will probably see that the handle has a broken pivot tab. the handles are pot metal and they do break from time to time. to remove and replace, remove the door panel and you will see that the handle is held on by two 10mm nuts, an actuating rod and a lock illumination light wire set (if equipped) very easy fix.

Also, if I remember right these same handles were used across the mazda line for a number of
years so the stealership may even have them. Not sure what they charge for em.

Good info, I might just try to salvage yard a couple. I looked into the side and saw that the tab is broken, kinda tempted to try to JB weld the piece back on but don't know if I wanna risk it without a backup to replace it in case it makes it worse. I'll probably install a remote lock kit as I've been meaning to anyway. Since these are pot metal any idea about a stronger replacement for them aside from the stock mazda pot metal ones. Thanks for all the help guys.

Don't suppose anyone has a keyless entry kit that they could recommend do they?

Keyless Entry Systems « autoloc.com

These seem to be higher quality than most.

The AutoLoc kit is $125 and doesn't look any better then the one I bought from eBay from $30.

http://www.autoloc.com/catalog/produ...-with-Remotes-

I tried a less expensive set from black dragon I believe, and the servos crapped out. The one from Auto lock has held up well, no problems.

I have had no issues with the BD one but I have had issues with the ebay ones. You get what
you pay for IMHO. I used some ebay ones on my F150 and they kept break at the mount points
so I ended up zip tying them into the door to make em work finally. Next time they break I'll look
into those autolocs mentioned.