Chris Boots

So my driver side door handle broke the other day (typical) . It broke in the usual place (where it metal rotates behind the piece that the rod connects into). I had the same damn problem with my FB but luckily one handle fits all so I just replaced it.
Is there anyway to fix it, ie. can it somehow be welded, glued, epoxy, JB weld?? or do I have to:
A: Buy a brand new one for more than $75 from mazda
B: Find a used one and somehow get it painted to match my car
C: Open my door from the inside going through the passenger side till I can afford a new one?
I'm sure you guys have had this problem and have found a solution, please let me know how I might repair this,
Thanks

V8what?!

I`ve never welded, but I think you can do all three of those other options!

FRFC3S

iTrader: (24)

Search J-Rat's thread on repairing them. I think he drilled a hole in the broken part and a hole on the other side of the break and tied it back together.

Chris Boots

Thanks I'll look at what J-rat had to say

Slow Rotor

I have repaired one of these on my car. I used some metal set to bond it back together and also riveted a bit of 32 thou stainless to it to help suppor it. im pretty sure its cast so u cant weld it

JStewart

I pretty much did what slow rotor did and its held up fine for about 2 1/2 years now.

Chris Boots

I Just read J-rat's write up, like he said ghetto but it'll do the trick,and the best part is if it breaks I'm out 50 cents? psh. Its a good fix. thanks for the tip FRFC3S and thanks J-RAT

skatingsamurai

there is accually a way to reinforce his idea. drill 3 holes, 2 on the broken off side. weave wire generously. ( i use a uncoiled spring.)(i have done this alot), then take a smaller piece, and wrap it around the width of it to keep your wire tight...you dont want any slack!! my ghetto door handle fix in this fasion has lasted me for almost half a year...

HAILERS

Get a piece of .060 aluminum. Cut it to the shape of the broken piece. Call it a doubler from now on. It should overlay the two broken halves.

Drill two 1/16" holes in each half of the doubler and thru the broken handle parts. Pull a couple of 1/16" rivets thru the holes. Almost done.

Then you'll have to do some trimming on the inside of the handle where the doubler will have to move. The trimming of the handle won't show once you get through.

Chris Boots

Now there's another good idea. Thanks guys, I knew we had a few ways to fix this sorta problem. After all it is an RX7, some thing will break but there's always a solution.

HAILERS

Error. I used 1/8" rivets not 1/16th".

Jpg of the handle attached showing the part that gets busted on my handles. Red arrows pointing to that piece.

J-Rat

iTrader: (2)

You got it man.. Its not as good as Hailers' fix, and I might try that one next, it was just a quick fix to get someone out of a jam...