Outer Door Handle Experts… Anodized or Painted?

[TurboRuf]

My 85 930 has anodized outer door handles that have faded over time, so I have always wanted to replace them. Unfortunately they are quite pricey new, so I have spent the past few years searching for some new-old-stock handles at a reduced price. About a year ago I came across the passenger side door handle. The finish looks very smooth and soft with an almost flat black appearance. I suspect this is anodized.

Recently I came across the drivers side handle, also sold as new. When I put the two handles side by side I was surprised at the dramatic difference in finish. The driver’s side is definitely painted and not anodized. From the photo’s you can see the overspray. Also, though hard to tell from the photos, the driver’s side has more gloss in the finish.

When did Porsche paint the 911 outer door handles instead of anodizing them? Or... is it possible the driver’s side might have been re-painted?

[GeorgeK]

I think the black handles were originally chromed black. Then painted as a cost saving measure.
GeorgeK

[rob911]

I got mine repainted when that car was renovated. The guys called it "semi-matt black", the same colour was applied to my windscreen trim, wiper arms and rear spoiler.
They now look as good as new and are simple to remove and refit. Guess you could do the door handle job yourself in a weekend easily.

[TurboRuf]

I’m a little confused…

So at some point in time the factory did 'paint' the door handles black? Does anyone know what years? I thought the 911/930 door handles where the same from around 74 until 89?

So if I buy a new handle from Pelican, how do I know it will match? Since both of the handles I have are dramatically different in appearance.

I’m trying to figure out if the handle I just purchased is truly new or may have been re-painted. If it’s been repainted, I would like a refund. If it’s new, I need to sell it since it doesn’t match my new passenger handle.

[Vipergrün]

Good thread! Has anyone tried the Wurth black paint folks use on their Fuchs? I need to redo my handles, window trim, etc.

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by bb80sc
Good thread! Has anyone tried the Wurth black paint folks use on their Fuchs? I need to redo my handles, window trim, etc.

I've used black satin trim paint with very good results. You can find it at any of the chain auto parts stores.

[Vipergrün]

Thanks Kurt....etching primer first?

Turbo, thanks for letting me borrow your thread.
Back to our regularily scheduled programming.......

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by bb80sc
Thanks Kurt....etching primer first?

No as I recall, but would have to look at the can again, you apply directly to the surface without primer.

[GeorgeK]

The factory themselves changed the production method. The chroming is environmentally very bad, so they switched to powder coating. Buy one from Pelican and it will be powder coated. If by any chance it is anodised, then just invert it (they can be switched left to right).
BTW it should not bother you too much when mounted, as you'll have a hard time seeing them both at the same tme...
GeorgeK

[TurboRuf]

Thanks George, the drivers side I received feels/looks like Powder Coating... that explains everything.

Thanks for everyone’s input!

Brad.. NP on the hijack.