Bluewind

iTrader: (16)

Hi, I was wondering what product(s) or method people had used to refinish their exterior door handles (black surround and handle)
Mine has a few small chips on surround and with the area being a heavy touch/wear area, I wondered what durable solutions people had.
Let me know please, thanks!

Sorry if this is an existing topic, I was searching but couldn't find a relevant thread.

Jatt

iTrader: (2)

Replying just to keep up with recommendations people will inevitably post.

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

First off, new handles aren't that expensive. If the handle is generally worn, you can't beat new handles. I think they are also cheaper from Japan, do some digging. I want to say $120 or so.

Typically by the time the finish gets to be crap the handle itself is worn out.

All that said, you could wrap it in vinyl or re-paint it. In either case I'd take the handle apart to separate the handle itself from then body of the handle.

Vinyl would probably be pretty easy, get some gloss black and wrap it. Paint is some more work, probably have to sand and do some work if you have any low spots. Paint with black paint and probably clear on top of that for durability. Using the 2k clear out of a spray can would make for the most durable finish.

Dale

Bluewind

iTrader: (16)

Thanks Dale,

Yea I was noticing that replacement might be an easier method. On ebay they’re about $230 for a pair which isn’t that terrible.

I was recently reading other threads about the driver door lock having a light in it.
By chance, do you know if that flops to the PS since they’re RHD?

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

The JDM door handles don't have any of the electronics on them typically, which is fine - you just transfer that over from the existing handle. That's the light and the sensor that goes on the key cylinder.

The whole assembly is what wears. They have those aluminum door handles but IMHO that's a band-aid, typically when you have a handle break it's due to the rest of the handle being super worn out. The breaking handle is just the symptom.

Dale

ZacMan

I'm in the middle of refurbing a pair of door handles at the moment, but NZ is in the middle of a lockdown so I can't get into work to use any of the gear there alas. They're full disassembled, and I think blasting all the original coating off them, and getting them re-powder coated is the only way to go that will be long term durable.


That's an interesting mod to help stop the internal linkage going almost over-center when they close. Could be executed better, and might cause some issues long-term. Probably also more of a band-aid for worn-out linkages, but I do like the idea of repairing a set of existing ones, if they're not too far gone, as opposed to buying new ones.

The castings for the handle surrounds look like they're the same no matter which market they were delivered in, so the spot for mounting a light is there on the JDM handles, but none of the actual bits. Mounting an LED in there is pretty simple, but the handle sensor also isn't there, so need a solution for that still. Cross that bridge when it appears.

Bluewind

iTrader: (16)

Interesting youtube clip, I'll definitely bear that in mind!

Zacman, regarding your above when you mentioned handle sensor, what did you mean by that?
Sorry, I'm just having trouble mentally visualizing what this part was.
When I hear handle sensor, my mind immediately goes to modern keyless entry systems, which I know our car is so far from!

jza80

iTrader: (32)

FWIW, the current replacement handles are a matte-black finish, whereas the original handles (at least the ones on my 1995) have a glossy black finish. This holds true for window trims, too. I ordered replacement lower trims to keep as spare parts and they are a matte finish not glossy like the original.

ZE Power MX6

iTrader: (157)

Assuming you are referring to the handle harness? The new handle don't come with all that stuff, you'll have to reuse the harness from your car. I think Mazda used to sell a handle with the harness, not sure if they still do, if they do you will have to order the JDM one since the keyhole light is on the right side.

I mentioned the stopper bolt mod in another thread recently, there's also an old write up on here from like 2012 you can follow. The screw he use in the video is huge, not sure if you need that big of a screw.

Here's the instruction I follow for the stopper bolt, I think he tap the hinges, but I just use a through bolt then use lock ring and thread lock on the other end.
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...ow-fix-982678/

Before and after picture, you can see the hinges resting position is different. The after position is more reassemble a new hinges position, and no longer putting pressure on the plastic rod holder.






Here's the LED mod, I added a connector to the LED wiring, so it can be detach from the handle harness.

Bluewind

iTrader: (16)

Ahh, I'm on the same page now.

Thanks for the post with the mods.
Do you have a link to the particular LED light you purchased?

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

I'm not sure on this, I think over time with the car getting waxed and buffed the matte comes up to a shine. I think they look better with a high gloss shine but on some cars/colors the matte may be better.

I know that I have seen new handles both with and without the electronics on them. Without is cheaper for sure and really the electronics go forever, the handle is what wears out.

If you want a happy door handle, lubricate it with white lithium grease every year or so or when you do a major maintenance. When that breaks down that's when it really wears out quickly.

IMHO the hacks and fixes on door handles just aren't worth it, a good new one beats anything hands down. A good handle that's properly lubricated will last a VERY long time.

Dale

ZacMan

TBH, I could be wrong on this, but I assumed there was some sort of microswitch in the handles that had the lighting, as my understanding of how they work is that the lights come on for a set period of time when you lift the handle. The thinking being that in the dark, doing this lets you find the keyhole nice and easily. But I've only ever had JDM cars that didn't have the feature, so I'm speculating a bit :-).
Can anyone chime in with more accurate info on how the system works?

Cheers.

ZE Power MX6

iTrader: (157)

The signal is sent by the door latch, then CPU2 turn the light on.

I use these, they are small enough to be bent and point directly at the shutter.

That's interesting, I know the trims are like that as I just replaced the bell line molding last year, the new molding is a little lighter, I just thought that's new plastic vs old as I replaced a molding on my Mazda3 and they are slightly different color too. I have a pair of brand new handle in a box, I'll have to check it out.