86 door handle replacement help

[Reno775]

Hi, I replaced the dingy looking door handle on my car. I put ithe new one on and everything appears to work fine when the door is in the open position. But suddenly the door will not latch shut when I close it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’m kinda stuck.

[AG81]

Reno,

I did both a couple years ago on an 88. What year are you dealing with...... Should I assume a 75?

[Reno775]

Originally Posted by AG81

Reno,

I did both a couple years ago on an 88. What year are you dealing with...... Should I assume a 75?

It’s an 86. The install seemed to go just fine. When I turn the little catch on the door, it easily goes into its latch positions. When I pull the handle it releases properly. But when I go to shut the door it just doesn’t latch.

[AG81]

is the central locking (electrical) working ? Just wondering if this is mechanical (the trigger) not engaging or electrical.

[Reno775]

Originally Posted by AG81

is the central locking (electrical) working ? Just wondering if this is mechanical (the trigger) not engaging or electrical.

Mechanical lock.

[woodyTPA]

I have an 86 and refinished mine with trim paint. take the handle apart, Sand with 800 grit, use etching primer and finish with satin trim paint. I ordered it on Amazon
Porsche Pet shows a $350 door handle for 86 and up that includes the lock. I am trying to just replace my lock cylinder and cant find just the cylinder. The handle you bought may not be the right one?

[AG81]

I found that there was a difference between the ones with central locking (electrical) and the early cars. Seems the difference was the lever that engages the mechanical lock via trigger pull.

[Reno775]

Originally Posted by woodyTPA

I have an 86 and refinished mine with trim paint. take the handle apart, Sand with 800 grit, use etching primer and finish with satin trim paint. I ordered it on Amazon
Porsche Pet shows a $350 door handle for 86 and up that includes the lock. I am trying to just replace my lock cylinder and cant find just the cylinder. The handle you bought may not be the right one?

The handles I got were Rennine through pelican so hopefully they knew what it needs. I’m going to try and reinstall the originals and see if latches. I have an appointment at my local Rennsport tomorrow and really need it to latch shut so I can drive it there. Once there I can have them look at it. Was hoping to do it myself but I guess not.

I also replaced my inner door handle with aluminum ones but I had to ream the holes out to get the pin to fit so I’m hoping it’s something simple that I’m overlooking. At no point did I force anything or think I bent or broke anything during removal or install so there’s no obvious or glaring problem to address. I feel like something is just slightly off, I just don’t know what.

[Reno775]

I think I discovered the problem. The little pin that pushes out of the back of the handle when you pull the latch is about 5/8” longer on the new handle than on the original handle. So when it’s installed it’s as if you’ve already pulled on the latch. Consistent with issue of door not latching shut, it’s like trying to latch it with the trigger latch pulled. Wish I could post a photo for you but im betting that’s the issue. Now, do I cut it and try it or do I order a new one? Once I cut it, it’s mine, lol.

[flyingjay]

If the door handles are the ones I'm thinking of, that pin you were talking about should be a little hex. You should be able to tighten that like a normal bolt and it will adjust to the length you need. No need to cut it.

[Reno775]

Originally Posted by flyingjay

If the door handles are the ones I'm thinking of, that pin you were talking about should be a little hex. You should be able to tighten that like a normal bolt and it will adjust to the length you need. No need to cut it.

These are those and you are correct, pin did adjust in. One door done and completely back together. On the plus side, I can now have my door panel off in 15 minutes or less.

[jgurnari]

I have painted mine a couple times and they scratch easily, they last about a week! Here is a thread that is very involved to do the job correctly, like to know what you think about advise in the theses, if you have moment to read it, and how did your procedure turn out, do they still scratch easily?

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/paint-bodywork-detailing-forum/1077406-911-chipped-door-handles.html

Originally Posted by woodyTPA

I have an 86 and refinished mine with trim paint. take the handle apart, Sand with 800 grit, use etching primer and finish with satin trim paint. I ordered it on Amazon
Porsche Pet shows a $350 door handle for 86 and up that includes the lock. I am trying to just replace my lock cylinder and cant find just the cylinder. The handle you bought may not be the right one?

[bkreigsr]

HAH - let that be a lesson to you.
The old handle had the proper 'patina' for your 34 year-old Carrera and didn't want to be replaced with a shiny new one.