Pattern for door handles?

[PStansberry78]

Like many, the door handles in my 1st generation Explorer have just fallen apart. In three of my doors, I've cut the flopping rubber completely off and left only the armrest portion, so those doors do not have an easy pull for closing.

I've spent some time Googling replacements, but I can't seem to find anywhere that sells just the armrest/pull. I can find complete sets of replacement panels, etc... but that's more than I want to spend.

I also saw some posts here on the forum where people have made their own. I actually really like the idea of using a strong wood to fabricate something that would last longer anyway... and am thinking of trying this project myself.

But, rather than try to use my one remaining (damaged) armrest as a template, I'm hoping there's a pattern out there that someone may have previously created?

Thanks in advance!

Paul

 

[Maniak]

They do make Front door pull handles for the 4 doors with electric windows/locks (I have a youtube video on replacing them)

I don't know if they make them for the 2 doors and I'm pretty sure [MENTION=71]Rick[/MENTION] never found door pulls for his manual everything 1st gen (at least I think it was him that was looking).

As for the floppy arm rest.. I have that issue too.. I leaning towards making my own arm rest out of wood/foam and covering.

~Mark

 

[Rick]

Finding anything for the full manual Explorer doors is next to impossible. I haven't found anything new.

 

[PStansberry78]

Yeah... That's what I'm finding. Mine is all manual, so I'm in the same boat.

Paul

 

[FR-425]

Put this up in the "parts wanted" section.

At least as a reminder to me. Arizona bone yards are stuffed with Ex's right now.

I'll keep my eye peeled for manual door stuff.

You may also want to spend some time digging through the "parts for sale" section.

I doubt your going to see a listing that says "manual door stuff for sale", but if you dig around you may find something.

Hmmm.. . I wonder if Ranger manual doors are interchangeable for door pulls anyway

 

[FR-425]

Do the "floppy" pulls look like this?

 

[PStansberry78]

LOL.

Well... not anymore. But they ARE the same color.

Paul

 

[FR-425]

Alright we may be on to something; that pic is of a Ranger. not sure the year, but I believe it is between 84 and 95 for the same piece.

So that might help to find some new one's or at least more options at the bone yard.

Probably will include Bronco II's and even the full size stuff.

 

[FR-425]

Front and back are the same, yes?

 

[FR-425]

Ok, so I picked a random year from memory and this is what I found.

1988 F150 This looks like the same piece to me!

LMC Truck has these in stock for the F150's all colors.

It's not hopeless after all. Have to do some checking to verify the size of these, but you get the idea about searching other models for this type of part.

Looks right; Huh? Keep in mind the F150 door is much longer than the Ex so they look a bit short in the pic.

 

[FR-425]

 

[PStansberry78]

Front and back are the same, yes?

They appear to be.

This is great information. Thanks!

Paul

 

[murkinstock]

Wait! Look at the inside door openers. They are placed differently! I don't think they would work. The Ex's is right under the door pull and the F150s is lower and more towards the front. It's possible they might work but I would be skeptical!

 

[vq5speed]

I purchased my drivers front off ebay
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trk...kw=91+explorer+pull+handle&_sacat=0&_from=R40

The rears are the ones that seem to be hard to find New replacements.Found some used full rear door panels on ebay. Might have to go to your local Pick N Pull.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk...nel&_nkw=94+explorer+rear+door+panel&_sacat=0

I wonder if the whole rear door panel off the 95-01 would fit on the 91-94 doors. There are plenty of used rear door panels on ebay from 95 96 97 98 99 01 is you search each year separately.

 

[vq5speed]

Went out to my Pick-n-Pull today there were lots of rear door pulls for 91-94. I even tried a 95-01 door panel on a 91-94 rear door and it fits perfect. Just got to use the top rubber trim along the glass off the 91-94 and figure out the switch wires should not be that hard.

 

[PStansberry78]

I purchased my drivers front off ebay
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trk...kw=91+explorer+pull+handle&_sacat=0&_from=R40

The rears are the ones that seem to be hard to find New replacements.Found some used full rear door panels on ebay. Might have to go to your local Pick N Pull.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk...nel&_nkw=94+explorer+rear+door+panel&_sacat=0

I wonder if the whole rear door panel off the 95-01 would fit on the 91-94 doors. There are plenty of used rear door panels on ebay from 95 96 97 98 99 01 is you search each year separately.

These all look to be for an XLT with power windows/locks. My truck is an XL with manual windows. The panels are totally different.

Still looking. Thanks for the help, everyone.

Paul

 

[sirhk100]

Well, had my drivers front let go 2 days ago and it's already annoying! LOL My passenger side front and rear are wood. Look nice but I'm assuming they're a home brew. I guess I'll start hitting the local yards to see what I can find since I'm manual lock and manual windows which don't seem to be the norm for parts availability.

Anyone have a temporary fix by chance?

 

[Wolfie_85]

PStanberry78, I literally have never seen an all manual Exolorer. Ever. Especially not one with leather seats. That navy blue interior is something I've only seen once. Just had to say that. Automotive rarities make me happy!

 

[Redneckfordf250]

Ok, so I picked a random year from memory and this is what I found.

1988 F150 This looks like the same piece to me!

LMC Truck has these in stock for the F150's all colors.

It's not hopeless after all. Have to do some checking to verify the size of these, but you get the idea about searching other models for this type of part.

Looks right; Huh? Keep in mind the F150 door is much longer than the Ex so they look a bit short in the pic.

I have a lot of 87-91 Ford trucks (my 88 F150, our 90 F150, brother's 91 F250, hauler truck 89 F350, and work truck 89 F250) and the part the original poster is looking for is way different then what the explorer has on manual window explorers. The bottom doesn't have a leather that wraps around it either it goes to a black plastic.
Just thought I would let you know.
Trav

 

[PStansberry78]

Well - After much time spent scouring the Interwebz for a source, I finally gave in and just manufactured my own, as a handful of others have done.

They're made from oak, and though moderately time consuming were fairly simple. The project involved a table saw, scroll saw, and pad sander. Then, they're painted black (the accent color in the truck) and varnished heavily for comfort and durability.

I deviated from the original designs slightly in that I kept them all one thickness (the originals get thicker towards the front pulls), using a single 8 foot 1x3 I got at Lowes for about $16. Then, it turns out that the front and rear aren't the same length (I thought they were), and the front panels are clipped in along the leading edge while the rear ones weren't. I had to cut some hidden grooves underneath to accommodate the hook mounting areas for the front pulls.

All said and told, the project ran about $40 in parts, and took most of yesterday to complete. But they definitely seem solid, and should last for awhile. I'm pleased with the results.

-----------------------------
Paul

Edmond, OK