68 Inside Door Handle (left)

[Rich G.]

Need one of these. Tried Doc Rebuild but he is out of stock on both the NOS and the cheaper reproduction. Mine that broke was a repro.

Suggestions for another vendor?

Thanks

Rich

[Jimmy P.]

Re: 68 Inside Door Handle (left)

Rich,
Try Big City Corvettes out in California. They have repros, NOS, and used parts.
bigcitycorvettes.com
Hope this helps.

[Edward J.]

Re: 68 Inside Door Handle (left)

Rich, I think early 68 inside handles were a one year only handle, it may have been changed later. the early ones had a smooth backside surface and the later ones had reinforcing ribs for strength.

[Rich G.]

Re: 68 Inside Door Handle (left)

Jimmy

Thanks. I'll give them a call.

BTW, our son worked in Pittsburgh for five years but now he's back in NY. I'll miss the trips out there. Great city.

Rich

[Rich G.]

Re: 68 Inside Door Handle (left)

Rich, I think early 68 inside handles were a one year only handle, it may have been changed later. the early ones had a smooth backside surface and the later ones had reinforcing ribs for strength.

I think you are correct. I remember a discussion about this. The one that broke was clearly a repro. I borrowed one from a friend with an early 68 that's down for a while and I think it's original and has no ribs. My car is a July build but I'm sure the handles on it were not original.

I'm not getting the car judged nor do I think that part is judged. As long as it fits and looks ok, I'll be a happy camper.

Rich

[Wayne W.]

Re: 68 Inside Door Handle (left)

There were three types. Big thick cast ones, the flat thin ones and the later ones with ribs.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Inside Door Handle (left)

I think you are correct. I remember a discussion about this. The one that broke was clearly a repro. I borrowed one from a friend with an early 68 that's down for a while and I think it's original and has no ribs. My car is a July build but I'm sure the handles on it were not original.

I'm not getting the car judged nor do I think that part is judged. As long as it fits and looks ok, I'll be a happy camper.

Rich

Rich-------


If functionality is the primary objective, go with the handle with the ribs. GM did not change the design to the ribbed variety because the earlier design was just as good. In fact, you have a broken one which likely illustrates the problem with the earlier design.

The left side part number was GM #3962693. Plenty of these for sale on eBay from NOS to crappy used condition.

[Rich G.]

Re: 68 Inside Door Handle (left)

Thanks Joe.

The one I borrowed has the part number you referenced on it. I have a line on one now and will see what it looks like when it shows up.

Rich

[Reba W.]

Re: 68 Inside Door Handle (left)

There were three types. Big thick cast ones, the flat thin ones and the later ones with ribs.

The current 1968-69 TIM&JG has a photo of all three on p. 13 with approximate change dates. The only one that was serviced by GM and is being reproduced is the last type with the ribbing. And yes the handle style is judged.

[Rich G.]

Re: 68 Inside Door Handle (left)

The current 1968-69 TIM&JG has a photo of all three on p. 13 with approximate change dates. The only one that was serviced by GM and is being reproduced is the last type with the ribbing. And yes the handle style is judged.

Thanks Reba

Time to update my TM/JG!

Rich

[Dan D.]

Re: 68 Inside Door Handle (left)

Rich,

Eckler's... They're repros but they look great. Bought a pair for $54.99 They also have rod clips and gaskets if you need them

[Rich G.]

Re: 68 Inside Door Handle (left)

Rich,

Eckler's... They're repros but they look great. Bought a pair for $54.99 They also have rod clips and gaskets if you need them

Thanks Dan. I'll check them out.

Rich

[Jeff P.]

Re: 68 Inside Door Handle (left)

Rich,EBay has a couple of sets on there now. Good luck.

[Rich G.]

Re: 68 Inside Door Handle (left)

UPDATE:

I bought the expensive one from Eklers which came in a "Genuine GM" parts box with a p/n of 3962693 and it doesn't fit. The casting is way off from the cheap repro that broke and the early 68 original I had borrowed, both of which fit perfectly. It will not slide on nearly far enough leaving a large gap between the rear of the handle and the door trim. The screw is then too short.

Eklers were no help as they explained they get these from GM. They did offer to exchange it but I bet they are all like this. We took a dremmel tool to it and after three tries got it to fit a little better. There is still at least a quarter inch gap. I'll live with this until I find an original or I may buy several cheap ones. Also there is a defect in the plating on the top edge which I didn't notice until after we ground the crap out of it. :-)

Rich

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Inside Door Handle (left)

UPDATE:

I bought the expensive one from Eklers which came in a "Genuine GM" parts box with a p/n of 3962693 and it doesn't fit. The casting is way off from the cheap repro that broke and the early 68 original I had borrowed, both of which fit perfectly. It will not slide on nearly far enough leaving a large gap between the rear of the handle and the door trim. The screw is then too short.

Eklers were no help as they explained they get these from GM. They did offer to exchange it but I bet they are all like this. We took a dremmel tool to it and after three tries got it to fit a little better. There is still at least a quarter inch gap. I'll live with this until I find an original or I may buy several cheap ones. Also there is a defect in the plating on the top edge which I didn't notice until after we ground the crap out of it. :-)

Rich

Rich------

I cannot understand that, at all. The GM #3962693 (and 3962694) has been cataloged by GM as the SERVICE replacement for 1968 Corvettes since February, 1969. I would imagine that a lot have been sold for 1968 Corvettes since that time, especially because of the propensity of the 1968 handles to break. This is the first time I've heard of a fitment problem when the 3962693 or 3962694 were used on a 1968.