Top Kick, Kodiak, 3500HD Exterior Door Handle Info, Cheap Handles, and Install

[jus10inbrla]

Ok guys just an update. After much debate & research and not much input.. i went for it; long story short u can 100% use your

EXISTING OPEN DOOR HANDLE TO LATCH ROD.

first step, mark a line down the entire straight portion of the shaft. I used a set of tubing cutters, cut about the middle. Then cut a 1/2 “ off again. Now, heres where the tricky part comes in. Take a grinder & smooth the cut, as it leaves a small dimple. Next, figure out how the he’ll your going to attach it back. Ive seen people just cut it, then jb weld a 1/2” overlap.

Personally, I used a pair of vice grips, catching a SMALL portion of the rod. Just line the straight edge mark back up, Then spot welded on both sides. TURN YOUR WELDING MACHINE DOWN LOW . I used a stick rod, however if i did it at work the mig or tig woulda made alot better tack. Its that simple. I have the passenger install.. now to do driver. I still have a few feelers out for the lock rod, but i rarely lock the truck and if i do i do have keyless entry.

 

[jus10inbrla]

Another advice. Buy new bolts to put new handles back on with. They are m6; i got some 1/2” long. The factory ones just arent quite long enough to get started easily. Literally an extra 2 or 3 threads from the factory 3/8 long made that much difference!!

 

[jus10inbrla]

@GMC Burbalade ; according to the original thread. You state the lock cylinders are backwards, then further in you state the lock pawls are backwards. Just want to clarify, thanks in advance.

 

[mars2878]

@GMC Burbalade ; according to the original thread. You state the lock cylinders are backwards, then further in you state the lock pawls are backwards. Just want to clarify, thanks in advance.

I could be wrong, but I interpret it as: the driverside pawl needs to the passenger side & flipped. The passenger side pawl needs to go to the driver side & flipped.

 

[jus10inbrla]

i found the psgr pawl.. have several feelers for complete sets. Regardless ima buy just about everything people want to sell, and if i have extra i will pass along to others on here looking for the swap.

 

[jus10inbrla]

Ive seen at least 15 broken down kodiak/ tops in peoples yards this week so far…. Made contact with almost every one of them by leaving notes or knockin on doors. NONE wana bsrgain. They either say ; ahh imma get it running one day, or nnoo id rather try sell whole truck.

ive offered to put my handles on so it can still be used if truck ever gets sold, but none wana bargain. Oh well.. the search continues

 

[jus10inbrla]

Geezus that guy on ebay is at it again. He wanted 300 last month for this set..

GMC Topkick Kodiak Exterior Door Handles & Rods Left & Right Pair For OBS Trucks | eBay

<p>Topkick / Kodiak Door Handle Conversion - Hard to find parts for 88-00 GMT400 OBS Trucks (C/K C1500 C2500 C3500 K1500 K2500 K3500)</p><br /><p>Includes New Aftermarket Door Handles & Used OEM GM Actuation Rods, Pawls. </p><br /><p>Note: The Rods, Pawls, Lock Brackets included are USED. They...

www.ebay.com

 

[Jesse_Wenting]

Geezus that guy on ebay is at it again. He wanted 300 last month for this set..

GMC Topkick Kodiak Exterior Door Handles & Rods Left & Right Pair For OBS Trucks | eBay

<p>Topkick / Kodiak Door Handle Conversion - Hard to find parts for 88-00 GMT400 OBS Trucks (C/K C1500 C2500 C3500 K1500 K2500 K3500)</p><br /><p>Includes New Aftermarket Door Handles & Used OEM GM Actuation Rods, Pawls. </p><br /><p>Note: The Rods, Pawls, Lock Brackets included are USED. They...

www.ebay.com

That guy is out of his fuck1ng mind

 

[jus10inbrla]

I reported it for price gouging. I mean the 300 $ price tag was unbelievable,, but it did have alot of viewerss. But this is just out of hand

 

[jus10inbrla]

mYbe at 300.. if parts were new / old stock. But this is **** he took from junkyard & cleaned up