Maybe this will help someone.

I've had door handles break on me too many times, and it's always a decision between buying a new handle at over $200 (no script), or a used one for maybe $20-100 and it's anyone's guess on how long it will last.

The other problem is that all those ****** VW guys love using the later 944 handles with Porsche script, so their value has hiked up and they're harder to find.

So when the script handle broke on my '87 NA, I decided to experiment. I bought a brand new handle for a 1991 VW GTI for like $15. Yes, it's plastic. But it'll last way longer than a used 944 handle, and it weighs less!

The metal tab on the VW handle was a little too thick (the part that receives the screw from the aft of the door). A little bit of filing made room for the 944 handle's guts. The hook on the small end was too long so I used a wood shim and some RTV silicone to hold the shim in place.

It works great. I just need to find an insert (the thin chrome one) and paint it black, or maybe throw it in with the next batch of black powder coating.

Sorry for the poor pics - I was in a hurry.

 

I've installed em without taking the door card off, quite a pain. In the future i plan to mask off the area around the handle first.

 

sweet!

 

that looks exactly like an early 944 handle..

 

Are we talking about the "trigger" on the door handles that breaks? If so, you can just swap the VW trigger over to the Porsche handles. That's what I did to mine.

Another thought would be to use the VW handles for the back, off 4 door cars. it would do a slick door lock delete if you have remote door locks that is.

 

Yeah, I left a lot of dirt marks on my door, but they cleaned off pretty easily. Masking would be smart, good tip.

They look like early 944 handles with the place for an insert, but the 944 ones are pot metal and the VW ones are ABS plastic.

I've heard of triggers breaking too, but AFAIK the part that breaks most of the time is the tab with the hole, which is the pivot for the adjustable linkage. I don't think there's much that can be done to prevent the break - once the parts wear out, the forces don't act in the correct direction and cause stress on the weak metal.

 

Apparently there is a trick if the tab with the hole breaks. There are two symmetrical tabs on each handle but only one is actually used. Been told you can use one with a broken tab from say the passenger side on the drivers door and vise versa. The "Porsche" script will be upside down but you could always fill that and paint the handles.

It's a workaround but it saves a few hundred $$'s until it breaks again. Chances are it will last a long while as the new tab used is virgin new and shouldn't give up quickly.

(Haven't tried this myself)

 

Thanks for the tip! I've ordered these:

http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-...ody/ES2189120/

Two handles with lock and key, includes both chrome and plastic insert .. for about twenty shipped. My problem is that I've no key to the car doors, and a broken tab. Maybe the 944 actuator guts will fit on the included lock cylinders?

Hopefully I have as much luck!

 

I've been thinking of repainting my sun faded inserts and had an idea. What about keeping the inserts out, and filling in the area with something like Quiksteel and sanding it flush? Then a quick spray with paint of choice and you have a slick looking handle.

I'm probably going that route, and if I do, my ugly faded inserts are up for grabs to the first person to pay shipping and handling.

 

The two tabs are both used; one as a pivot (which breaks) and the other as a guide to keep the linkage straight (which, if missing a few millimeters, would allow the other tab to break very soon). This is just my take after studying the design, I've never tried it.

 

True, I took a look at a spare I have. I think this would still work though as you could build the "guide" tab back with an epoxy filler like JB Weld and though it wouldn't work as a pivot tab, it should operate fine as a guide.

 

Hmm, I'll have to try that next time!

ƎHƆSɺOd handles!

 

Do you have a part number where you got the handle?

 

I tried one of these VW handles about a year ago and the plastic tab that you put the wooden shim behind snapped off on mine. I used a plastic shim that was tight to the back of the door so maybe not having any flex or give to it caused the break.

I'm now on my third set of used handles. I can't believe what a piece of crap these things are.

 

I also went through a bunch of used handles before I gave up. I used to actually ration the number of times I'd open my doors from the outside, because I knew its days were numbered.

My VW handles are still working great! The part numbers are:

191837207 (left handle)
191837208 (right handle)
171837211A (handle gasket, larger section)
867837209 (handle gasket, smaller section)

I ordered from autohausAZ.