Door handle conversion to NBS (99-06) style

[nucknoel89]

Well this idea started as just shaving my handles because I hate how the stock ones look, but I've heard that cops in my area can sometimes be picky about shaved handles, so I came up with something else.  I was inspired by a thread on FullSizeChevy.com where a guy did this on his OBS (88-98).  This will be a bit trickier as the handles/latches on our trucks pull up whereas everything 88 and up pushes down on the rods/latches.  I'll figure out a system to make it work but this will take a few weeks for me as I just moved and have to figure out how to get power to my welder, as well as get a handle for the passenger side and new locks for both sides. 
Even though my welder isn't set up yet, it doesn't mean I can't start cutting!  The doors I got from a wrecker ($50 each):


After the initial cut:


If you're wondering what those triangular pieces are, they're the mirror mounts.  I have some mirrors off of a 2011 Silverado that I wanna adapt the mounts for, but that's a project for another time.

[nucknoel89]

The handles I'm considering buying:

[bake315]

Just one fella's opinion... the ones you're thinking of buying just seem too.... blingy.  I think you're on the right track with the 99-06 style, though, I'd get the painted GMC ones, and paint them to match your truck.  That way, they would blend in more.  Not shaved, but in that direction.

[nucknoel89]

Just one fella's opinion... the ones you're thinking of buying just seem too.... blingy.  I think you're on the right track with the 99-06 style, though, I'd get the painted GMC ones, and paint them to match your truck.  That way, they would blend in more.  Not shaved, but in that direction.

Yeah, I'm not sure if I'd get the LED ones yet, just an idea I'm playin around with.  I do appreciate comments and opinions!

[bake74]

      I would be interested in seeing the finished product just to see how it looks on one of our trucks.

[howlinwolf]

if the handles operate opposite what ours do, flip it. you will get a similar look with a simpler design

[nucknoel89]

if the handles operate opposite what ours do, flip it. you will get a similar look with a simpler design

I thought about that, but then the lock is above the handle which may cause issues internally, as well as it will look a bit odd.  I'm not ruling it out, though.

[454Man]

I think they will look nice

[sonicbluezx3]

Interesting... would like to see the final pics.

[nucknoel89]

Well guys, I fired up the welder today and started on the passenger door, which is also where I stopped.  I believe I am the first person to attempt this on a C10 and I believe that I'll also be the last.  In my opinon it looked decent, but looks aren't worth not being able to roll my windows down.  The new style handles stick too far into the door and interfere with the window guide channel.  Since I've already hacked this door up though, I'll probably just shave it like I originally planned.  The hours and money I spent on this shouldn't be totally wasted, so satisfy people's curiosity, here's a picture of what it would look like (without the proper bodywork to make it look nice):

[Da67goatman]

Would it work if you moved it down under the body line?

[nucknoel89]

Would it work if you moved it down under the body line?

I think it probably could work, but then it would be super low and in my opinion it would look weird. 

[454Man]

X2 under the body line. I think it looks weird where it is now. atleast entertain the thought.you have nothing to loose

[HAULIN IT]

X2 under the body line. I think it looks weird where it is now. atleast entertain the thought.you have nothing to loose

Agreed, Our trucks being square just don't look right with rounded, swoopy add-ons. Years ago a local fellow put either Corsica or early Lumina handles in his truck just below the bodyline...they looked like GM had put them there. Lorne

[Captkaos]

Since all of the mechanism is at the button portion of the handle it is hard to find a good replacement that doesn't take up to much real estate.  I have seen the 88-99 handles mounted low, but I never liked the fact they they were SO low on the body.  If the truck was lowered you had to reach down to open it...