Restoring 26-27 Closed Car Door Handles

[Greg Jones]

I came across some decent original door handles for my 26 Coupe. I have been using the repro cast ones for many a year but want to restore originals. I have attached pictures of some of my best handles. Question: Can you nickel plate these without taking them apart (I really dont want to do that but one plater says that you have to)? Also, as far as the black plastic insert I figure I would do what Ted Aschmann advised many years back, which was to neatly trim some electrical tape onto the handles as a "fake insert." Anyone have experience restoring these handles and have any advice to share? Can you recommend a plater?

 

[Greg Jones]

By the way this is my 26 Coupe. Have had it for 35 years, my father had it for about 20, and his father used it as his work car in Frankfort, SD. He last licensed it in 1954. Sat for many years in a barn until 1980, when I restored it.

That's probably enough Fordbarn bandwidth for one day.

 

[Roadster62]

Very nice car! I can understand you wanting a pair of original handles. I think you'll have to have them replated as a unit, maybe fill the inner void after plating then fake the black incert.

 

[CCWKen]

I can restore those, complete with new insert and spring if needed. Send me an email. Your plater is correct that they need to be disassembled. There's rust, dirt and oil inside that can't be allowed in plating tanks and it's the only way to replace the insert.

This isn't a very good pic but it shows some restored handles that others would have considered scrap before.

 

[Roadster62]

Ken, Thanks for posting, the restored handles look great. I'll remember you for future projects.

 

[David Stroud]

Ken, are you back in the plating game again? I'll be needing some stuff done probably this fall or winter. I'll be in touch. Dave

 

[CCWKen]

Ken, are you back in the plating game again?

LOL... Yeah, copper and nickel but I've had my fill of Brass Plating. I'll only do brass, tin and zinc for my in-house restoration customers. I can keep a better handle on the schedule. Fall/Winter sounds good. I'm still loaded with sheet metal and paint work but Greg sounded desperate so I had to volunteer.