Door handle on BN7 came loose.

[Johnny]

Went to pull open the door on my '60 BN7 and the rear most section of the handle came out of the hole! After pulling the handle off I discovered the threaded bolt that screwed into the door handle had dropped down into the door. The problem is the bolt (10X32) can no longer screw into the door handle due to the 2 or 3 threads that held it in aren't there anymore. Since the door handle is pot metal covered in chrome how do I fasten it onto the handle???

 

[Cottontop]

If there is enough meat left around where the threads came out, I would Helicoil replace the threads in the handle, then Loc-Tite and replace the screw.

I have also had "some" success with creating new threads by mold releasing (bearing grease wiped on, brushed off out of the threads) the screw, then filling the hole with a big wad of JB Weld. Put the screw in as far as you can. When the JB cures, you should be able to remove the screw and reinstall the handle as normal.

With as much "pull" as is on that screw, it may not last, but it could be a last ditch effort before you have to buy a new handle.

Tim

 

[tahoe healey]

You might try a tap-thread set and re-thread to a different diameter and use a new bolt. With lots of oil and slow turning you should be able to make it like new.
Plan "B" is to watch E-bay or call BCS in the west for their salvage parts. I bought a new old stock handle in the box form British Miles in the east. Not cheap but so beautiful I had to have the other side re-chromed.

 

[AUSMHLY]

You might try a tap-thread set and re-thread to a different diameter and use a new bolt. With lots of oil and slow turning you should be able to make it like new.
Plan "B" is to watch E-bay or call BCS in the west for their salvage parts. I bought a new old stock handle in the box form British Miles in the east. Not cheap but so beautiful I had to have the other side re-chromed.

Being you don't see the screw, I'd re-tap to a larger size, if size permits.
Or plan B.
Good call Rich!
r

 

[Keoke]

What is all this fuss about ?-Just call David Knock and maybe get a good used one for replacement.---Keoke- :laugh:

 

[anthony7777]

johnny, i sent you a p.m.

 

[Johnny]

Thanks to all who responded. There's not enough depth in the handle to rethread. Plus the metal is potmetal, which would be like threading cheese. So far I tried epoxy (the clear stuff) supposedly good for metal. Didn't work, the bolt just came right out. Now I have JB Weld on the handle and it seems to be holding. I'm sure I'll have to replace the handle, shame though cause it's a new one.

Anthony, I replied to your email.

 

[bighealeysource]

Hey Johnny,
If you have to get a new handle I got mine from AH Spares. Tell them to
make sure the main portion that sits against the door sheet metal is
flat and does not have a slight curvature to it. First ones I got had
that problem but they replaced at no charge. Chrome quality was very nice.
Regards,
Mike

 

[Johnny]

Hey Johnny,
If you have to get a new handle I got mine from AH Spares. Tell them to
make sure the main portion that sits against the door sheet metal is
flat and does not have a slight curvature to it. First ones I got had
that problem but they replaced at no charge. Chrome quality was very nice.
Regards,
Mike

Thanks Mike, I didn't know there was a difference? So far the JB Weld is holding but I doubt it'll last too long. BTW, I used a "speed nut"(rectangular shaped with hole in middle and bent) vs the 3/8" hex nut. By enlarging the opening it just slips on the bolt rather than have to try and get a wrench in such a tight area. Might be hard to remove later if necessary. Isn't working on these cars fun?