Ringbrothers GM Door Handles

I received the first rapid prototype of the GM door handle today. Jim painted it and put it together for me. It's a two piece handle that bolts together. The outer piece can be finished to match the car. I beleive it will be a direct replacement for most GM models from 1963-1974. Of course we will fit it before we sell it :turn:
Machined out of billet aluminum.
We are moving ahead - I don't have firm dates yet but will update you as soon as I do.

The pictures are of the plastic prototype painted - the real thing will is going to be amazing!
Have a great night! Staci

Looks great! :yes:

Those look pretty cool, I'd really like to see them installed on a 1/2 gen!

Put me on the list!

Dam!!!! I just shaved my door handles. Those are cool enough to put them back on.

Nice.

By the way, does your company plan on making 1st gen hood hinges in the future?

Nice.

By the way, does your company plan on making 1st gen hood hinges in the future?

At some point me would like to come out with the hinges for all of the gens. I just can't tell you when right now. As things fall into place I will update everyone on what is coming and when. Wish I had a better answer for you.
Staci

Not to change the subject, but I've always wondered why no one has stamped out a grill filler panel from aluminum. If it were offer in satin, polished, & brushed finish, surely it would be a big seller.

ok, ok....I'll be the test mule for those aluminum door handles.

Will these work on the rear of a 4 door too?

please pm me when these are for sale:yes:

I just don't get it. GM put a nice heavy, chrome plated door handle on these cars. I believe the OE door handle on our cars is just about the most durable piece of exterior trim on the car. When you see 62-79 Chevy II, Novas & Acadians that are rusted and falling apart, the majority of the time, the door handles are still good. They work good, stand up to the elements and last usually longer than the car itself.
Why would you want to replace them with something like this? I'm not saying it is a poor product. I just don't see why with all of the modifications that can be made to individualize your cars, would you want something that looks so out of touch with the age of these cars.
This is just my opinion and everyone is entitled to one, but this handle looks like it belongs on a PT Cruiser. Put it on a Cobalt. I think I would like it on that car, just not my 62 Nova Convertible.
Nothing personal to Ring Brothers, I have no idea who they are, never hear of them before.

I just don't get it. GM put a nice heavy, chrome plated door handle on these cars. I believe the OE door handle on our cars is just about the most durable piece of exterior trim on the car. When you see 62-79 Chevy II, Novas & Acadians that are rusted and falling apart, the majority of the time, the door handles are still good. They work good, stand up to the elements and last usually longer than the car itself.
Why would you want to replace them with something like this? I'm not saying it is a poor product. I just don't see why with all of the modifications that can be made to individualize your cars, would you want something that looks so out of touch with the age of these cars.
This is just my opinion and everyone is entitled to one, but this handle looks like it belongs on a PT Cruiser. Put it on a Cobalt. I think I would like it on that car, just not my 62 Nova Convertible.
Nothing personal to Ring Brothers, I have no idea who they are, never hear of them before.

I would have to agree with this. There are 73- 79 Nova parts that would sell as fast as produced and are needed far worse then a bling door handle.
Have you tested its durability by having a 300 lb person slamming a truck door into it? When that happened to mine it dented the door, but the handle shows no damage.

The best thing about the original style door handles is that I could probably buy all four of them for less than the price of 1 of these billet handles.
Does Ring Bros make anything that is functional or are they strictly cosmetic accessories?

Guys, come on. Its time to think out of the box. I love it one someone hangs it out there, tries to be a little different, gives us all ideas. Shoot,look at the classic hot rod...a 32 Ford. Probably the ugliest car in the world till someone hacked off the fenders, running boards etc...
Without these innovations we would see nothing but Nova's with cowl hoods, Draglite wheels and shackle bars:sleep::sleep::sleep:

Guys, come on. Its time to think out of the box. I love it one someone hangs it out there, tries to be a little different, gives us all ideas. Shoot,look at the classic hot rod...a 32 Ford. Probably the ugliest car in the world till someone hacked off the fenders, running boards etc...
Without these innovations we would see nothing but Nova's with cowl hoods, Draglite wheels and shackle bars:sleep::sleep::sleep:

I didn't say I didn't like billet accessories, but they are so darn expensive that I probably will never own any. There are cheaper ways to look good :thumbsup:

No doubt, they are expensive. But when you want something that's original or that nobody else has, it gonna cost ya. I personally shaved the door handles on my 71 and at standard labor per hour rates,these handles would have been cheaper and different. In my opinion I would rather fail at doing something different, than succeed doing the status quo. However I respect originality and custom alike.

I think they look pretty cool, nice work.



Not for me, but still cool looking.

My opinion on the door handles is that they are already available in the aftermarket,make some parts for the 1973-74 models that are not available and are something that will definitely sell,alot of '73-'74 owners are dying to buy new tail-light buckets,lenses,interior passenger sail panels, door panels,and rear quarter panels with the sail panel and body lines to match, that are not currently available.These items would definitely pay for the time and effort that the manufacturer put into them.

My opinion on the door handles is that they are already available in the aftermarket,make some parts for the 1973-74 models that are not available and are something that will definitely sell,alot of '73-'74 owners are dying to buy new tail-light buckets,lenses,interior passenger sail panels, door panels,and rear quarter panels with the sail panel and body lines to match, that are not currently available.These items would definitely pay for the time and effort that the manufacturer put into them.

Do you really think none of the manufacturers have thought of reproducing 73-74 parts?
73-74 Novas don't have the demand of the 68-72. Made for two years less, not as popular etc.
As a return on investment, a company is far better off building products where the most demand is. Other companies may be different, but we used to work on a two year ROI. If you can't sell enough to pay off the tooling in two years, you don't make it. That's means you might not see a profit on that product for 2 years.
Tooling is very expensive, a die set to stamp a 73-74 1/4 panel can be hundreds of thousands of dollars each side. If there is just not enough demand to pay for the tooling, materials, labor, distribution etc. the company won't produce it.

A foundry pattern for a door handle would be much cheaper. I would guess $5-6000 for a pattern. (I used to order patterns but could be off on pricing)
A part like a door handle can be used on multiple models of cars. Chevelle, Nova, Camaro, Cutlass, Impala, Skylark, Delta, etc, etc. Take this higher volume of sales and the lower tooling costs and it makes more sense to make the door handle.
Companies are not in business for fun, they are there to turn a profit.

I guess my point was that anyone can buy door handles from several different manufacturers,but no-one can buy tail-lights,full quarter panels,trunk pans,or replacement interior panels for the 1973-74 models.

We know that our products are not for everyone. We appreciate the constructive input and hopefully we can make products that you guys are looking for.
Thank you,
Staci

I would be interested in these handles for a first gen. I understand why some guys want the original types and I may very well opt for that depending on what "look" I want for my ride:confused::turn::D.
I see some very impressive builds on this site and to me it has to all "come together" and the OWNER of the vehicle has to be happy with how HE/She decided to go:yes:.
This just gives another option and I appreciate the time and effort put into the design:yes:

I would be interested in these handles for a first gen. I understand why some guys want the original types and I may very well opt for that depending on what "look" I want for my ride:confused::turn::D.
I see some very impressive builds on this site and to me it has to all "come together" and the OWNER of the vehicle has to be happy with how HE/She decided to go:yes:.
This just gives another option and I appreciate the time and effort put into the design:yes:

I agree with you. My car is mostly original if I was going to do a resto-mod or something maybe I would go with these billet handles. They would be out of place on my car, same reason why I won't put LED Taillights on it either.

We know that our products are not for everyone. We appreciate the constructive input and hopefully we can make products that you guys are looking for.
Thank you,
Staci

This is a good point, not everything is for everyone.

If you do not like what is being offered here it does not mean that the next guy/gal wont like it either. It a simple thing to keep quiet or give a little constructive critisism but there is no need for rude comments.

Also, alot of time and resources go into making something like this. It's not just BAM and it's done. There are large costs involved in these kinds of ventures from the CNC milling machines, labor, shipping etc.

All that needs to get paid for, by the buyer of the product. Thats why parts are generally not cheap. Unless they are cheaply made.

Thank you guys! I tend to be a little sensitive. I try not to take any of this to heart but it's like someone picking on one of your kids. I have a lot of pride in what we do and what the guys here do. Our product line is growing and I believe that our quality is the best you can get. Ringbrothers has a unique nitch that isn't for everyone and I understand that - I just don't like to hear really negative stuff becuase it does hurt. Constructive input I like and ask for - positive feedback is always good too.

Don't mean to show my girly side too much.:o

Thank you again - Staci

All that needs to get paid for, by the buyer of the product. Thats why parts are generally not cheap. Unless they are cheaply made.

I know Billet accessories are expensive, and would expect them to be. My point is, the manufacturer knows ahead of time that these are going to be priced higher than the average buyer wants to spend. There are quality items made out of steel/stainless out there on the market.

Staci,
I apologize if my comments were taken the wrong way. Handles would look great on the right type of car. :yes:

Steve - Don't worry about what you said. I need to toughen up and know that it's not personal. You are entitled to your opinion.

We are looking at a retail of $269.99 on these handles - if that stays the same once we get final production costs is that a reasonable price?

We are trying to bring some less expensive products to the market that are an easy cool way to update your car - like the door strikers and hood adjusters that retail around $50. Is that reasonable?

I guess I need you guys to inform me what you are looking for and what you think reasonable pricing is. Of course I have to consider cost before I market anything but it might help me in the future to bring products to the market that are not the big dollar items - but things that you want.
That's why I am here - I need your input and opinions - even if it hurts a little sometimes.
Sorry for long post and so many questions - anyone can also send me an email at staci@ringbrothers.com with comments and ideas.
Staci

Is the final product going to be two piece as well? The only thing I'm not digging on the prototype is the allen screws. I like the design and shape but just not feeling those allens. Never been a fan of allens on wheels either. They tend to be areas that hold dirt and water and eventually rust.

Now me I like looking like everyone else just slide in no one knows I even there.:yes::devil::yes:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/Highmark/Dads%20Car/2786403783_2ac8de01c3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/Highmark/Dads%20Car/DSC_0012.jpg

Is the final product going to be two piece as well? The only thing I'm not digging on the prototype is the allen screws. I like the design and shape

The final product will be two piece. The handles are made out of aluminum and the bolts are stainless. If it is just the look of the allen head that someone doesn't like you could always use another style. Jim has something for allen heads I think.
Staci

I am just going to have to have some of them hood stops. Still thinking on the handles. Wish I could find some nice hood hinges that would work without having to cut a hole to make them work.

I am just going to have to have some of them hood stops. Still thinking on the handles. Wish I could find some nice hood hinges that would work without having to cut a hole to make them work.

Sorry! I wish it was a simple fix. I have the 66 on my list.
Staci

Know what you mean. hope to do some changing on mine this winter. New wheels http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131134&highlight=3DTim
New Blower make a little more power
And a few other things I hope to make the old girl stand out a little. But if it is like it was last winter all I did was work one other peoples cars.

For my part, if these handles will fit a 77 (and I can somehow manage to squeeze together the money:yes:) I'll be buying a set - I think these kind of items are perfect for the kind of car I built. I love the styling and the outside-the-box thinking it takes to produce something like this.

I'm hoping to take advantage of that group purchase idea being floated over at ProTouring.com.

As some of you might have suspected, originality really isn't my thing. . . .

J

If there is enough interest we can do a group by from here too - on any Ringbrothers product. I just need 10 orders.
Let me know.
Thanks
Staci

If there is enough interest we can do a group by from here too - on any Ringbrothers product. I just need 10 orders.
Let me know.
Thanks
Staci
I would be in for a set for my 66. That's one. Just Nine more to go.

Staci even though I have sent a PM I want to publicly apologize for my earlier comments. Your products are very nice. You have researched and supply the market that exists for what you do. In no way were comments intended to discredit your products, your dedication or you. Philip

Well if this post dies and I hope it does not. Let me know when the handles come available. Here is my E-Mail address jmeredith@logantele.com

Well if this post dies and I hope it does not. Let me know when the handles come available. Here is my E-Mail address jmeredith@logantele.com

I will keep it going with updates as they come available - I promise.
Thank you - Staci

There's a "gas cap" thread going on right now where someone is searching for an "aircraft" style gas cap for their Gen 1 - I mentioned to him that these door handles would be a perfect complement to that style. I don't build "high tech" cars as a rule, but if I were to, these handles would be my first purchase. And ask anyone who has shaved door handles if they would do it again after the first time they couldn't get into their car, I bet the answer would be no! Nice job on these, keep us posted on your other products!

[QUOTE=Siva64;1186457]There's a "gas cap" thread going on right now where someone is searching for an "aircraft" style gas cap for their Gen 1QUOTE]
Thank you for the lead. I couldn't find the thread but I wanted to show them the gas cap that we designed for the Fairlane we are building (probably a dirty word on this site - sorry) but the gas cap was designed with this afterburner idea in mind. It turned our really awesome!

i would be in for a set. look great!!
glenn

Any word on the door handles?

Now me I like looking like everyone else just slide in no one knows I even there.:yes::devil::yes:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/Highmark/Dads%20Car/2786403783_2ac8de01c3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/Highmark/Dads%20Car/DSC_0012.jpg

That's some sleeper right there.:D:D:rolleyes:

There nice you cant hate on them..We need companys or individuals makeing custom aftermarket parts for our old cars.
Im sick of seeing all this orginal parts everyones nova looks the same lol.

I always change the look of my vehicles that I build and everytime someone one sees it there like dam thats a nice ride I like how it looks different but clean.

So thumbs up to these new handles! But... you better sale them for a good price otherwise dont bother producing them.

Steve - Don't worry about what you said. I need to toughen up and know that it's not personal. You are entitled to your opinion.

We are looking at a retail of $269.99 on these handles - if that stays the same once we get final production costs is that a reasonable price?

We are trying to bring some less expensive products to the market that are an easy cool way to update your car - like the door strikers and hood adjusters that retail around $50. Is that reasonable?

I guess I need you guys to inform me what you are looking for and what you think reasonable pricing is. Of course I have to consider cost before I market anything but it might help me in the future to bring products to the market that are not the big dollar items - but things that you want.
That's why I am here - I need your input and opinions - even if it hurts a little sometimes.
Sorry for long post and so many questions - anyone can also send me an email at staci@ringbrothers.com with comments and ideas.
Staci

Your asking way to much for a pair of handles...Im all for your custom work and products but if you want these parts to go far and sale.You need to put a price on it that the everyday guy and purchase.

I haven't checked in here for a while. I'm wrapped up w/a 56 T-bird build right now. (wifes car)
I hope you all have come to realize just who and what the Ring Bros are all about. http://www.ringbrothers.com/ To read the early comments "never heard of them" is mind boggling, wear you been? To say they're cutting edge builders w/like products is an understatement. I think the handles are very cool. maybe not for a stock looking car but for a pro-tour modern type build.........very cool.