[Healeys] Reproduction British Chrome Question

[John Snyder]

Be aware that many of the reproduction exterior door handles have a problem. 
I bought 2 from Moss, the castings were slightly off, and the forward tip of 
the handle could not return all the way to the door, (would not touch the 
rubber button).  I returned the worst one, explaining the problem, and 
asking them to check their stock and send me good ones or refund my money. 
They returned the money.  I called British Car Specialists and talked to 
John in Parts.  He said he would check w/ Moss.  He reported that all their 
stock was bad, and said he would order some from his supplier in England and 
call me when they arrived.  I waited for the call and finally called him, 
and he said all of the stock at his supplier in England was bad.  Victoria 
British's price for these was much higher than Moss's so I ordered from 
them, thinking that they had found a new source.  Same problem. So I finally 
shimmed the rear bolt to slightly tip the front of the handle in and did the 
installation.  (still does not touch the rubber button)  All of my old 
handles have hair-line cracks in the casting that fastens to the doors.  I 
have had good luck re-chroming handles w/ good castings.  If yours don't 
have cracks and fit good, you should think about re-chroming them.  I use 
EFS in Bremerton, WA for my chrome work, but they are not cheap.

The after-market overriders do not have the correct shape on the top.  You 
should think about having them re-chromed also.

John Snyder



> Thanks to Ken, Don, Mirek and David for your replies. I'm still sittin' on 
> the
> fence here. B My grille surround is very good, as is the eyebrow. I'll
> probably wind up replacing the door handles, trunk handle and escutcheon, 
> and
> overriders outright with new. I'll share my experiences.
>
>
> If anyone has had any positive experiences with rechromers (in terms of 
> price
> and quality), I'd appreciate a point in the right direction. Thanks,
>
>
> Tom
> 63 BJ7