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In another thread, I lamented the fact that the push button handles from the large trucks doesn't agree with these pull out handles that really are more at home on a lower vehicle, like a Mustang or Pinto, even a LTD or T-bird. There one is pulling out straight, but in a truck application like we have here, you are pulling outwards and pushing upwards from below. I have extras, and have not given up on finding something easier to open from outside for my Wife. I've watched her and these handles are tough on her, and even I find that I am pulling outwards / upwards at the same time. With a car, these handles are easily a foot or so lower, maybe nearer two even.
I have an idea that if that handle had a lower lip, like if it were wider (not longer), it would both ...1) magnify upward twisting force like a longer wrench does ...&... 2) redirect the pull action to closer to horizontal.
Another thought is to just add a thumb extension of sorts, so that instead of twisting the hand palm side up and then pulling / pushing up one can just apply the hand and pull after the thumb has levered the handle upward to unlatch the door.
The trick is going to be to do so in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
Here is where I will share what ever I come up with. I know ... from watching people getting in these trucks ... that I'm not alone in this quest.
Kind of like this, it would be polished aluminum ... or maybe stainless steel, might get a design on it, maybe just scribed lines. Might would get our names or something engraved, etc. If I were to do something like this, I would do it to my originals that are minor pock-marked anyway, not to these re-pops that look new.
Just thinking it out now.
Last edited by tbear853; Jan 29, 2025 at 09:29 PM.
Reason: added picture to illustrate
Rummaging around in my "stash", I find I have a second brand new set of right and left outside door handles, and I have the originals too.
Also found that I have a piece of 7/32" (near a quarter inch) aluminum of a hard alloy, that is 6" x 4.5", so if I test a spot for polish and it polishes up nice, I'll have my perfect material.
In playing with a straight edge, a piece over each OEM that is 2.25" x 5.5" will work fine.
To attach, I'd belt sand my OEM ones to erase the chrome and pitting, get the top "seen" smooth, attach new top extensions with J B Weld, let set, then drill and tap the cured product for a couple 1/4-20 SS flat head socket head screws from the back side and cut the extra threads flush and then polish the outer surface.
Shape would likely match OEM top and ends, but extend below .... but I'm also thinking of mocking up some to some how agree with the inside trim.
Thinking on decorating details (if any beyond a polsh are used). now,
If someone meets it ... or passes it on the highway ... or as they circle the local drive in while I'm eating my "hot all the way", they'll likely never notice them anyway.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
I know ... from watching people getting in these trucks ... that I'm not alone in this quest. 
