inside door handles falling off

[forestb]

I just got a set of aftermarket inside door handles and window cranks but they keep falling off. Does anyone have any remedies for this?

[oem4me]

Originally Posted by forestb

I just got a set of aftermarket inside door handles and window cranks but they keep falling off. Does anyone have any remedies for this?

Did you install the little horseshoe clips?

[vin63]

The OE handles had a more robust flathead set screw that held better. The newer reproductions have a smaller allen head set screw that I've had to put a small drop of blue Loctite to maintain tension and not back out.

[forestb]

Originally Posted by oem4me

Did you install the little horseshoe clips?

no I have never seen those before. How do those work?

[vin63]

The 47-66 truck interior handles use a set screw...not the horseshoe clips.

[oem4me]

Originally Posted by vin63

The 47-66 truck interior handles use a set screw...not the horseshoe clips.

Derrr ... Ha ha. I guess it's been awhile since yanking a truck door handle off. Musta been thinking of my Chevelle.

[64shortbox]

I had the same problem on my reproduction door handles. Where the set screw made a mark or slight dimple in the serrated shaft on the door actuator I simply drilled a dimple where the set screw left its mark, drilling the dimple slightly larger than the set screw. I haven't had a problem with the handles falling off since.

[62stepside longbox]

Originally Posted by oem4me

Derrr ... Ha ha. I guess it's been awhile since yanking a truck door handle off. Musta been thinking of my Chevelle.

A 68 door I just took apart had those, so I'm guessing all of the 67-72 trucks use them along with many passenger cars

[LT1 Burb]

Make sure the threads are good on the door handle, they are 1/4-20 and make sure your handle goes on far enough to let the screw go into the indent in the turning mechanism. A small triangle file works great to clean the splines.

[vince1]

I found that after installing the optional pull handles the original handles don't get used as much. Once installed you will wonder what took you so long. It is so much nicer closing the door with them.

My handles have the screw driver slot type screws. I didn't think they were 1/4" though. # 10 or # 12 or 1/4"? Too cold to go out there now and check.

[TopFuel1966]

The set screws in mine were not 1/4-20 but they are now and I have no more problems with them coming off the shafts.

[61K10]

go to ace hardware and get some allen head set screws. with those you will be able to tighten the set screw better. what i did to mine.

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by 61K10

go to ace hardware and get some allen head set screws. with those you will be able to tighten the set screw better. what i did to mine.

Can'r recall what I finally did that worked--maybe like you said: get 2 really short ones and "set" the 2nd one on top of first? I just don't recall; but I do recall using Loctite on my passenger's side and now I cannot get it out! If I ever have to go in for something else, I'll replace my worn regulator at same time, as I'm sure I'll hafta destroy it to 'open her up'.
Good luck with yours.
Sam

[urmyboyblue]

I added the arm rests to use as door pulls and have not had any more issues with mine falling off.

Funny story- took my truck out one Saturday night to eat. Was getting ready to leave and as I was getting in the truck, a little old lady told me how nice my truck looked. I had the window down and as I shut the door the window crank handle fell off. The little old lady said "They did that when they were new, too."

[forestb]

Originally Posted by urmyboyblue

I added the arm rests to use as door pulls and have not had any more issues with mine falling off.

Funny story- took my truck out one Saturday night to eat. Was getting ready to leave and as I was getting in the truck, a little old lady told me how nice my truck looked. I had the window down and as I shut the door the window crank handle fell off. The little old lady said "They did that when they were new, too."

I love it. That's awesome

[forestb]

I went to the hardware store last night to try and find a better fitting bolt. The 1/4 in 20 was to big and would not even start to thread. The only thing that I could find that would fit is a metric size M6 but they did not have any set screws in that size that are long enough. I guess I will have to try some where else.

[forestb]

Originally Posted by TopFuel1966

The set screws in mine were not 1/4-20 but they are now and I have no more problems with them coming off the shafts.

Was the hole size 1/4-20 or did you reatap it or just force it?

[vince1]

original size is #12 I believe and matched thread count to thread gauge is 20 TPI.

Picture to follow if it ever gets from my phone to email.

[vince1]

The slotted screw head is 3/16" high and 1/4" dia.
Under the screw head are 8 1/2 or 9 threads.
Under the threads is a turned down portion 3/16" high by 5/32" dia.

[vince1]

I see no reason why these original handles would or could come off. Behind the splines on the shaft there is a recessed portion for the set screw to go into, making it impossible for them to slide off. The handles are counter bored part way down to accommodate the head of the set screw. The set screw itself has a spot of blue plastic material mid portion on the thread that I presume is some sort of locking material.

[vin63]

You'll have to tap it for 1/4-20. The other thing that will help is to make sure the set screw does not have a bull nose end. Make sure that end is flat.

Originally Posted by forestb

Was the hole size 1/4-20 or did you reatap it or just force it?

[forestb]

Originally Posted by vin63

You'll have to tap it for 1/4-20. The other thing that will help is to make sure the set screw does not have a bull nose end. Make sure that end is flat.

I thought the set screws with a cupped end held tighter. I was thinking of getting ones with a knurled tip.

[forestb]

When installing the handles are the set screws supposed to push against the smooth part of the shaft after the grooved part? I have the little sponge material washers on mine and they might be keeping the handle to go on as far as they should.

[LostMy65]

Yes, the set screw isn't supposed to tighten up to the splines. The handle needs to go further on so the set screw tightens down on the recessed portion of the shank.

[vince1]

Why would you want to tap them to 1/4" when !2-20 screws are surely available?

Modify them if you have to according to the description above in post #19.