924Board.org

[!tom]

So, the fork inside the drivers door handle that is connected to the lever has broken, so the only way to get into the car involves opening the drivers door after leaning in through the passenger door to use the interior handle.

I've heard that garden variety Rabbit/etc. door handles are a direct fit.

Any gotchas to getting one from the junkyard? How do I change the lock barrel so that I can use the same key? I doubt the door handle from the junkyard would come with a key in the first place.

Although I've read countless posts after searching on how to remove the handle, it's still a mystery on how I'm going to proceed. Maybe I should try to make a HOWTO. Anyone have some advice so it won't be a HOWDONT instead?
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78 924 NA
5-lug

[NBRettie18]

its not that hard getting the handle off the door, theres a thick short screw in the door well, but getting the linkages disconected is pretty difficult, at least it was for me and my rather large hands. i bought a replacement from a junk yard from a 924S, same as my car, and the first time i installed it and got it hooked up it wouldnt open the door. theres an adjustment on the linkage, its a plastic piece that is threaded onto the arm that opens the mechanism. i can't exactly remember if it is supposed to be threaded all the way in, or almost all the way out. i believe it is out but dont take my word for it. theres a black plate on the door that is held on by i think two bolts that makes it muych easier to get to with it off, saying that, i dont even know if you could do it without taking it off.
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1987 924S - MO30 30/19 - Yellows all around

[RC]

Common problem with the POS pot metal cast lever on these handles.

There are 2 different type handles and I believe, mechanisms too. Early 77 handles are same as 76 Fox. Later handles are unique to Porsche and even though they look the same externally as golf/rabbit handles they are sufficiently different so as to not be an easy (if at all) conversion. Spent hours in junkyards sussing that out. With yours being a 78 I`m not sure but possibly the early ones. Do a search since this has been discussed before and I recall posting some pix.

The handles are retained by a M6 screw at the handle end and accessible with the door open. Then slide the handle forward and swing the rear out to remove. Although gohim says he can remove the clip with long nosed pliers through the opening, I think that takes some practice and most of us remove the door trim panel for easier access.

The lock barrels are easily changed by removing the screw on the rear arm, the arm and spring. The tumblers do stay intact when barrel is slid out. Since the handles are symmetrical it is the position of the arm on the square spigot that determines the hand.

A how to would be a good idea as this topic often comes up.

[!tom]

ARGH! Not what I wanted to hear.

I just got off the phone with my local Porsche dealership -- they're normally extremely useless and a waste of time to talk to, but I actually found something out this time.

According to him, it sounds as though '78 was the switch-over year between the old-style (Fox etc.) and new style (Porsche-only) handles, since he has two parts listed for a '78, the old style (which is NLA), and the new style ($114 I think he said), which is 2 weeks away. He'd need the VIN to determine which my car needs.

After doing more searching, it looks as though there is a bunch of conflicting information on what years have what styles and which other cars have handles that work.

I can't do anything else now -- it seems all the junkyards around that might have something (its unlikely) are closed on weekends, and my wife has the car now (it's hers -- I'm just the mechanic and I get to drive it when my beaters are broken).
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78 924 NA
5-lug

[Brockoli]

if you can there are handles that have porsche enscribed in them. I know Chranan's 951's door handles has it. Its a really nice detail. If I had to replace my handles thats what Id want. They look the same as my 924 handles but im not sure.

If you PM chrenan he might be able to post pics of his sweet door handles.
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'80 924 M471,Wideband O2, Full coilover susp,23/19 sways,Bilstiens,KLA Strut Brace,Roll Bar,Test Pipe,BBS RS, Willwood BBK

25% of a '87 944 Chumpcar http://straightpipe.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=2454

'79 924 Sebring Edition(Sitting)

[Martijnus]

[Grenadiers]

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/pts/862457737.html
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'83 944 Track car.
'88 924S Track car.
'89 944 Turbo
2004 Winnebago Vectra monster RV
2012 Jeep Wrangler
2014 Kia Soul
2001 Ford F350 powerstroke

[968rz]

They all have a pot metal "fork" but the late ones use this to move a rod attached to the handle (then the latch) were as the early units use a longer fork to push on the latch mech its self (no rod).

These are not inter changeable with out more modding/parts, My 79 has the same problem in the pass door and I bought a pair of good used handles to replace them but these were from a 80 (has the rod), I went so far as to "adjust" the original latch mech but could not get it close enough to the fork (much shorter than early ones) with out the window slides getting the way.

Let use know what you find in your hunt as I'm sure others (like me) are in need also.

PS. Any one looking for good late style handles PM me.
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Rick
79 924 coupe Petrol Blue 3spd auto (wife's DD)
93 968 coupe Amazon Green 4spd Tip (my DD)