914 GT Door Handle Pull Straps Options

[JamesJ]

Hello All,
Has anyone used these "GT door handle pull straps" from Auto Atlanta?
I removed the armrest/compartment assemblies as I wanted a clean and simple look on this car. I bought a set of the these and prior to installing them(still figuring out the best way to do that), I rotated the handle that pivots on the mounting tabs back and forth. They only freely pivot about 45 degrees, then they fight you, but perhaps once mounted they will pivot more fully or maybe they are not meant to pivot a full 90 degrees. I "bench tested" them by just pressing the mounting tabs against a flat surface and I found that the 45 degree position is enough to get 3 or 4 fingers behind it to pull on it.
The other issue is that they don't pivot back into the flat resting position because they are not spring loaded, so it appears that they will always be in the "open" position(see 2nd photo) and not sit against the door panel when not in use(I think I am ok with that); however, I am reluctant to put holes in my new door panels without knowing these will function well. I wish they were more sturdy than they are, but perhaps I am expecting too much from a $23 part.
Could anyone share how these have worked for them or if there is another similar alternative? Perhaps from a 911/912 application or other European car model?
Thanks!

[Retroracer]

@JamesJ - I found mine from searching for "Fiat 500 door handles" on the interweb; Like your experience, mine seemed stiff when they arrived and I was similarly concerned that they would not "drop" when closed - but I think this is a function of it being a fresh part - now mine have been used and temp cycled for a year or two they drop once used, as expected.

I attached them using stainless self tapping screws; I took the door card off (I was replacing it anyway) and made some reference measurements to make sure that when located the screw threads a) wouldn't hit or foul anything important and b) have enough metal to grab on to.

Hope this helps. Looks like you're local to me, so feel free to PM me if you want to see the install or discuss further

- Tony





And now some, er, precision measurement pics: