Hi Guys

Got a ’05 QC that I put Putco chrome door handles on many years ago. The chrome is starting to flake off now and I need to do something about it. I never liked the black handles on the truck and that is why I went with the chrome. I really like the newer Dodge trucks with the color matched handles. I think I want to try color matched handles this time around but got a few questions…

1. The stock handles are textured which I don’t think would look good painted. I’ve noticed on eBay that there are some knock-off (China) handles that come as “smooth”. Anyone have any experience with the cheap China handles?
2. Are the cheap China handles (smooth or textured) of decent quality?
3. Do the cheap China handles fit properly like a factory handle?
4. Anyone have any pictures of their painted handles?

 

Don't get me wrong guys, when I say "cheap China handles", I mean less expensive handles than from Dodge and made in China. The quality may be great... that's what I'm trying to find out. Not trying to slam China...

 

What I've seen is people get the handles from LMC truck, or Jeep Liberty handles, they're smooth. They may be the same ones you find on ebay. I love ebay, I get nearly all my parts from there.

 

Primer and Paint will smooth out the textured feel.

SJ03

 

Just got four new handles from eBay. The quality looks "OK"... nothing to get excited about. I purchased the tailgate handle from another company... I think a different brand. It will be interesting to see if there is any quality difference between the door handles and tailgate handle. Next week, I'll drop them all off at the body shop to have them painted. For those of you that are interested, I'll let you know how that goes.

 

Pics or it didn't happen.

SJ03

 

Well, all went well. Very pleased with the final product. However, the handles are not OEM quality and do not fit as such. Fitting was a bit of a pain, but perseverance prevailed! What y'all think?

 

Did you prime those, or scuff 'em up with something? I always had trouble getting paint to stick to chrome.

 

I bought new plastic handles and took them to a body shop for painting. The chrome handles are in the trash.

 

Ah. That makes more sense. Should be golden then.

I like it.