Does anyone know if they make an actual chrome handle? If so where can they be purchased? I bought to covers and they dont like to stay on the truck. I just know i am going to end up loosing one.

 

Check autoanything.com. I think they have some billet handles.

I've been thinking of getting the plastic chrome covers but was afraid of them coming off as you say. Did you clean the handles with alcohol before putting them on?

 

I remember someone on here a while back saying they wanted the same thing. They ended up finding the handles off of a newer Jeep Cherokee I believe. They were the same exact handles we have on our trucks, he just took his off and replaced them with the chrome Jeep ones. You may want to check into those.

 

Stylintrucks.com has handles and buckets for the Dodge Ram.

 

I have the putco covers and if you take the time to install correctly, you will have trouble getting them off when you want to.
1. Clean surface very very good with alcohol.
2. I took a heat gun and warmed the handle up to 100 deg.
3. Peel the double stick tape and press in place for about 3 minutes
4. Allow to sit for as long as it takes for the door handles to cool to ambient temp.
I have had mine on for over two years and not a hint of one coming off. I have done three other sets for friends and none of them have come off.
The chromed aluminum billett are very nice, but far more costly.

 

We put the plastic chrome covers on my moms two years ago and they are stuck good. Also put them on my uncles truck and have had no problems. Clean very well and you will be fine. Keeps you from spending a whole lot of money.

 

i did the whole cleaning thing and they didnt stick to well.... i however didnt try heating the handles up. They came off instantly. almost like they were not formed exactly to the factory handle. after a few tries that way the tape was shot so i hot glued them. that worked for a while but now they are popping again. I was thinking about epoxy but dont want to take the chance of a chemical reaction on the handle and have them not hold and then my handle is all jacked up. Now the problem i dont have the tape to even retry it and heat the handle. I bought mine from genos...

 

I have the same problem with mine they didn't seem to fit perfectly tight. Lost one after only about 6 months....and most of the others have been loose since the day I put them on. I think i'm going to remove the tape they came with and try some new stuff, and heat the handle up and maybe they will hold better.....hopefully.

 

The tape they are sent with is crap. Go get some 3M double sided tape. Thats what i use for everything.

 

I have covers on mine and only the drivers side rear falls off. I finally looked at it real close and realised the cover hits the bucket on the front side when you open the handle. It just needed a little material ground off so it would clear when opened.

 

Had the same problem with mine. Rectified it the same way. None of mine are hitting anymore. I think im going to bite the bullet and go with a 2 part 15 minute epoxy. That has just got to work.

 

EXCELLENT information guys. I have been yammering/whining about how faded and ugly the handles are lately. My son got me a set of the covers for all of doors and the tailgate for my birthday (next month, but gave them to me early) and I was going to start a thread asking the best way to install them. THANKKS for the help and info.

Mr Bee - do you suppose that you could heat them up after placement and then hold them for the 3 minutes? Would that accomplish the same thing?

I have seen guys at body shops installing rocker panel covers, first they place/locate them, then the use the heat gun.


CD

 

Installed mine the day after Christmas...course this IS SW Louisiana!LOL.
Used denatured alcohol on a rag, cleaned each handle until 0 residue showed on rag, then use enclosed alcohol prep wipe. None of the handles or buckets have any looseness at all.

 

CD......
I would heat it up first, that would eliminate the possibility of overheating the tape. Also, go to McMaster Carr and get some double sided tape from 3M and read the info on bond etc. They have some that would eliminate the need to use bolts on our trucks it is so strong. I use that for roof mounted antenas.
If you feel uncomfortable with the supplied double sided tape, use the 3M stuff... It is really tough and strong. Same install practice applies,

 

Mr Bee.

Thanks, I'll check out the double sided tape from 3M. I don't think we have McMaster Carr here in NM, maybe in Albuquerque?? but, I suppose it's available at other places that we do have.


Cobra909 - thanks for the denatured alcohol idea, it would be good to use and paint safe too. So many cleaners are not paint safe. I forgot about the denatured alcohol, it removes wax well.

CD