We've attempted this back almost 5 years? ago and failed. After learning more about mold making and techniques and materials, we've finally decided to revisit the commonly missing/broken passenger door handle!

We've just pulled our first casting and pleased with how the first one came out! We still need to tweak a few things and test but we're just eager to make the announcement!

Like our map lid, we've made numerous improvements.
-Beefed up the handle every where we could. (I never understood why Mazda left so many undercuts/voids) -- we've filled them to strengthen all the mounting points.
-Added thickness to the lower tabs that mounts to the bracket to door frame
-We're using metal thread inserts to maintain the integrity of the OEM mounting points (that mounts to the bottom of trim the trim panel)
-Using a more plush padding and Marine grade vinyl to upholster our handles (no more hard 90's plastic covering!!!)

Next we have to load test the handle (after it fully cures) and some testing on the upholstery!

Price of Handle WITH upholstery will be $175

 

Benny - put me down for one.

 

I'm in for a handle as soon as its available. Was actually just getting ready to order a map pocket too. Might just wait to save on shipping if they'll be available relatively soon?

 

i want one!

 

Yes, We should have them up to order by the end of the week and have them start shipping out first week of July!

 

So here's an update for those not following us on Instagram (Bubbletech.us)

We've done some R&D load testing and was very pleased with the results!
Here's a video with the handle under some load!

Things to note
-We used machined eye bolts (for the test) at the same locations that will be used to attach to the door (3 points) This was done to load those points with the most stress
-We suspended the handle off of a 2x4 (1.5"x3.5" actual) to mimic the surface area applied by an average hand ~3.5"
-In the test the load is vertical so the handle is seeing more stress as its bearing all the weight vs when it's installed on the door the load will be in a horizontal direction while the door hinges bears the load of the door weight (We did this simply to show the strength of the handle)
-The handle in the beginning of the video and the one being tested may look slightly different because the first one was right after it was pulled from the mold and the one being tested has a prototype vinyl cover on the hand grip

After the video I was curious so I threw another cinder block on.. 4 blocks total, not too shabby, that's definitely a lot more force then it will see pulling the door closed!




Also we're deviated from our original plan of adhering new marine grade vinyl to our handles. Instead we will be offering a stitched leather! (Note this is the first prototype using the vinyl not the leather)


Pricing
Bare handle $135
Handle with padded leather stitching (installed) $195
Padded leather Cover only $60

 

So without any upholstery it will just black plastic like from the Instagram Image?

 

Correct, it will look like the first one in the video posted.
This is meant as an "economical" version to re-use the stock "vinyl upholstery" I don't recommend this option but understand why some people may want to go this route!

 

How to order?

 

while dynamic loading significantly differs from the static loading, i doubt it can exceed the current circumstances. Good job man. !
i havent seen many RHD suffer from the "OH **** HANDLE" yet but in that case, any chance of offering this for the RHD?
Thanks

 

Your RnD cracks me up! It's applicable, yet definitely the "backyard" way of testing. I love it. Looks like another fantastic product from bubbletech! If I didn't already have a SBG handle, this would definitely be on the list!

Keep up the great work man.

Matt

 

Holy shat, this has been a long time coming, you guys the same group that had made the first ones out of the sand castings the first time and found they were too brittle? I want. But my car having a blown engine is more of an issue lol

 

I am interested as well

 

We should have it on our site tomorrow (For some reason its not registering that we added a new item when we try to upload it to our parts page!!)

Most likely not we'd need 20+ people committed before it would be worth diving into that mold

Hahah thanks! No need to use fancy equipment half the people and I dont understand. I'm more of a simple and straight to the point picture kinda guy

I think you have us mixed up with someone else lol.. I tried this probably 7 years ago but I didn't have a good enough understanding on materials and my mold making skins was amateur at best!



Some of the finish handles =)

 

Finally got it on the website!
Passenger Handle ? Bubble Tech

 

Awesome product!

 

Bare or leather handle?

 

Mine was leather

 

More handles going out!
More in stock!

 

This is pretty awesome, probably next friday I'll be in for the leather one!

 

Awesome! We'll keep an eye out for your order!

Here's another customers handle, He had the SBG handle and was missing the stock handle and was left without the covering... So we wrapped his in leather!