Best way to attach the door handles?

[ratdoggy]

Doing a '55 Chevy there is no exact "dimple" to show where the outer handle mounts. Also what is the best way (without making a gluey mess) of attaching it?

Scratching my head here 

[maltsr]

Drill a small hole in the door and back of the handle.  If you wish, cover the door with a piece of masking tape to protect the paintwork.  Glue a piece of wire into the handle and carefully glue into place on door with a drop of superglue.  Hope this helps!

[ratdoggy]

Thanks that's a good idea...Now how do I get both handles in the correct spots on the doors? A template of some sort?

[JollySipper]

Leave 'em off and call it a Custom...........

[Ace-Garageguy]

Pinning, as suggested, is without a doubt the way to go.

The best way to get them even IS to make a little template, as you mention. It can be a simple piece of cardstock...doesn't have to be fancy...just something that aligns with the back edge of the door and another line on the door, like the chrome, etc. Just flip it over to do the opposite side.

It's always better to decide on doing this and drill your holes before painting, too.

If you pin them, I strongly recommend white PVA glue, as it is water soluble and can't possibly mar the paint or chrome. You hardly need any sticking power to hold a pinned part in place, and PVA will easily do the job.

[Tom Geiger]

I pin on all my door handles, mirrors and other small parts.  I'll add one tip... glue them from the inside of the body. That way you'll never get glue on your paint.

And since nobody said it... you only need to have one pin per handle. Don't try to pin both ends!

Edited June 5, 2017 by Tom Geiger

[High octane]

I use Devcon 5-Minute Epoxy as it dries clear and is compatible with many materials including the pins.

[Mike C]

That's exactly how I do it too, same for side view mirrors.

Thanks that's a good idea...Now how do I get both handles in the correct spots on the doors? A template of some sort?

[espo]

Besides "pinning" the door handles you can use Future for an adhesive. Even if a little gets on the paint it will be perfectly clear.