I have just installed Altman latches, one piece side windows, power door lock actuators, and power windows in my 56. I am keeping the stock outside door handles but I want to use something different for the inside handles. I have a Lincoln LS that has interesting inside handles and I have seen a few other cars that have handles that are flat against the door panel and have a lever-style lock mechanism. This is the basic design that I have had in mind.
I thought that before I went forward with a selection that I would ask if anyone else had used an OEM handle assembly on their truck? The doors are off the truck and in primer now so I can do basically anything I want with them without worrying about paint finish or interior panels.

 

axracer did one using Miada handles (pix here), link;

1956 Ford F100 4x2 - making changes

There is also was a thread on 51-52 (?) with Mazda pickup handles, which I have but not installed yet.

 

Those look good...the black bezel would even match the door panel material. This photo brings up another point...the raised pedestals for the stock handles. I intend to remove these two raised sections and replace them with flat metal. I think that the door panel will fit much better without them.

 

Half my files are on the computer at home and half at work, pain in the butt.
Mazda;

eBay search for mazda door handles;

New and used mazda inside door handle,latch, Automotive on eBay.ca

 

Thanks for the ebay link...had me goin' there for awhile though, it looked like all the items listed were Canadian. Thought it was kinda strange til I noticed the ebay.ca!

 

I also went with Mazda Miata door handles. The only difference, I used the outside handles.




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46 Ford Tudor - Street Rod
48 Ford F1 - Darkside Custom

"Happiness: 3 pedals and a 5 speed"

 

CHuck,
If you want to me I can look around at the yard I work at part time. Most of your foriegn will have this similiar type of handle that pulls a rod. I will email you some pics on Monday if you want. Thanks

 

Thanks Donald...I appreciate it! I spent about an hour surfin' ebay, I didn't realize there were so many options for handles. The aftermarket is pretty weak when it comes to door handles, I'm really not into the billet.

 

No problem. I will get the pics and send them to you. Like a Camry you can buy the inside door handle from aftermarket suppliers. We sell quite a few at the yard I work at

 

I used interior handles from a 1987-93 Toyota pickup. They came with a metal bracket that bolted up easily to the door.

 

Those Toyota handles look like a very simple install...are you using them with cables or rods?

 

I've been using rods, but I'm working on the doors this spring and am thinking about using cables. The install of the handles was one of the easiest things I've done.

 

Here's a handle for a Mazda MPV that looks good to me. I like the lock but I am not sure if these will work with a rod mechanism. My intent is to use an electric actuator that mounts to the rod...I don't think that I can get a cable to work with these actuators. These handles and others seem to be easily bought new off ebay and other online sites.

 

IS there a big difference between the 48-52's vs. the 53-56's?
I would be interested in doing something like that maybe.
Nevermind I see yours 48 STEEL

 

Charlieled emailed you some pics.

To all you guys if you are in a yard and see some you like bear in mind some yards sell NEW aftermarket inside handles in case what you find is not in the greatest condition. Sometimes they have over or "dead" stock and you can wiggle with them on pricing.

Thanks