I had to go to my local dealer to get a few things today, and whilst there I asked the Parts Manager to check to see if one could still purchase a new door handle. There are (2) left in the U.S., and they cost $491.14 each.


I'm considering buying one or both. STUPID expensive but...they're the last ones, you know?
And...I just found out mine was broken! I upgraded my stereo and when I went to put the passenger door panel back on, I saw the little bullshit plastic tab that goes into the metal brace had broken.


That is the ONE area I've never had to repair before. Guess I'll go see if I can fix it...if not, gulp...break out the debit card.

 

Pretty sure one of the vendors (Sakebomb?) Has metal replacements for less.

Edit: yep! Here ya go bud http://www.sakebombgarage.com/lhd-passenger-grip-handle-fd3s-rx-7/

 

Oh HELL yeah! Metal, to boot? There IS a God!


Thanks, man...you saved me some big bucks!

 

And bubble tech makes one as well...Passenger Handle ? Bubble Tech

I personally have the SBG handle and its built so well that it will outlast the life of the car. However only bought it as a backup...in the meanwhile I have fixed my stock one for less than $10...took it to a guy that welds plastic...he welded the crap out of it and it holds great.

 

i'll bet they quoted you the list price for new OEM exterior door handle assemblies.

 

Nope, it's the grip assist only...part number FD01-69-44XE-00.


My problem is that the plastic on the 'tail end', all along the opening for the door handle, is either fractured or broken, too. I've done a repair job that is passable, but this will be the last time it's fixable. The actual grip part...yeah, I've fixed that a few times. The worst thing on that is the plastic tab that the metal brace (pictured) screws into has sheared off, too.
So...working on that right now. See how it turns out. I may end up ordering one of the aftermarket handles, and the OEM entire piece, and then install the aftermarket handle into the OEM unit.
Crazy to spend ~$750 for this fix, though.


The things we do to keep these cars looking new...

 

That price doesn't make much sense because you can get the entire assembly from Ray Crowe for high 300s.

One thing to keep in mind---- the new OEM pieces have had the problem 'fixed' by Mazda. The backside of the piece is now seriously epoxied on, so removing it to install the SBG handle is an exercise in futility. The piece is on there like a ****, so to speak

 

Ah, I didn't know that! Thanks for the info.


Yeah, I (and John Beach, the Parts Manager) about **** ourselves...he told me, "Well, you have the record for a part this week!"


When you say "the entire assembly", what exactly are you referring to? Because, just to be clear, the FD01-69-44XE-00 is what I have pictured in my earlier post.


Is THIS what Ray can get for less bucks? I mean, if so...I'll buy it from him instead of the local guy.
Oh, and just for reference, I saw the dealer price on this...$295...as the Parts Manager and I were looking at the parts list. Helluva markup...

 

This is the assembly I priced...

 

LHD Passenger Grip Handle (FD3S RX-7) - SakeBomb Garage LLC





Literally just a few left from the last casting run.

 

~$400 for that entire piece is not bad IMO, besides the grip you get a new virgin unscratched panel, etc.

 

I'll have to pull some of my old receipts, but I recall Ray regularly pushing parts out the door with (or below) a 10% markup from what the dealership paid to get them in. Ray was THE MAN because he moves insane amounts of parts, and he moves insane amounts of parts because A) he knows the community, and the community knows him, B) he knows the parts inside and out, C) he cuts us a killer deal!!!

Dude is an absolute legend!

Example: I bought a replacement clutch for my 1st Gen Miata from him, it was like $100-$120 (was a few years back), the same exact clutch from a random retailer would cost me $240 as per a quick google search.