I recently purchased the 914 Rubber RS Inner Door Handle kit (https://914rubber.com/rs-inner-door-handle-kit). The black pull handles seem straight forward but I'm having trouble figuring out where and how to attach the red nylon straps for the door release. Do these attach at the original chrome door release location? I don't see how these can work with the stock door catch rod and handle/lock system.
Yes, but you will have to remove the current handle. The hardware will allow you to attach to the pull bar, them push through the plastic cover when you install.
Is this how the pull strap attaches to the pull bar/rod?[attachmentid=809301] [attachmentid=809302]
Yes, but I'd put the bolt head out as its slightly smaller.
Mark
I installed the door release strap as suggested in the previous post and inserted the plastic cover into a mock-up door card to test for fit and function. I really like the look of the red nylon pull strap but gotta say that I'm not satisfied with the functionality. It takes considerable effort to pull the strap to open the door, to the point that I'm afraid the entire door card/panel could be accidentally torn off the door when trying to open it from the inside. Is this the same experience others have with this system?
Just to be clear, I'm not criticizing the quality or design of the 914Rubber parts. I just think the geometry and mechanics of the stock 914 handle mechanism is not designed to accommodate this type of system.
Yes, otherwise, the door handle is easy to pull and open with the stock handle assembly. The latch assemblies were recently cleaned and lubricated.
BuddyV hit the nail on the head with his description of the mechanical design and potential solution to improve the function. My biggest concern is that someone riding in the passenger seat that isn't aware to pull the strap forward (vs logically pulling inward or back) will tear the door card off.
I'll post a description and photos of my final solution once I get there. I'm working with blank door cards so, I have lots of options.
Maybe add a strap loop so even if you pull it to you it would still pull the rod.
I put the 914Rubber RS inner door handle kit to the side to re-think the door pull situation. The 914Rubber kit is nice but after much internal deliberation, I've landed on a final decision on my new door cards. Here's sneak peek of one of the final design elements.
I finished my inner door cards this weekend. I abandoned the idea of replacing the factory inner door release handle with the nylon strap from the 914Rubber kit. In my opinion, it was an awkward modification from the original design. I decided to keep the original door release hardware but replace everything else on the passenger and driver side door cards.
1-Inserted M5 threaded inserts (riv-nuts) in the existing inner door frame holes for attachment of the door cards. While I was in there I replaced all the vapor barrier with new plastic film.
2-Made new upholstered door cards and upper bolsters. The bolsters are the original steel bolsters covered with 1/2 inch foam and "knock-off" alacantara fabric. The door cards are covered in period correct basket weave fabric. I used the round plastic trim pieces from the 914Rubber RS door handle kit
3-I bought 1 inch wide leather strap from an ETSY seller to make the door pulls. I attached them to the inner door structure with M6 threaded inserts and M6 screws.
Here's the finished product. The door cards are attached to the door using M5 screws rather than the plastic factory push rivets.
I have the GT style door pulls. Both very hard to open pulling forward. My car is a little more for track so I will put up with it.
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