Door Pulls

For those who obsess about exactly how their 356 left the factory!
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Harlan Halsey
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Door Pulls

#1 Post by Harlan Halsey »

Among the parts for my '56 I find two door pulls: One looks like all the other late 50s ones I have seen, not flat but with a sort of flat arch which makes it easier to grasp. But the other one is flat, same general size and shape, but no arch. Could that one be a pre-A pull? I'd like to trade it for the later type if that's what it is.

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Mike Wilson
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Re: Door Pulls

#2 Post by Mike Wilson »

According to Brett Johnson's book, "A Restorer's Guide to Authenticity", page 127, the early pulls were flat with the arched one installed in late '58 or early '59. I would then assume the door pulls for your '56 should be flat.

Mike
Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe

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Harlan Halsey
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Re: Door Pulls

#3 Post by Harlan Halsey »

Then my guess was partially correct, but the change over took place after '56, not before. Thank you. I guess I have to look for another flat pull, not another arched one.

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Rick Albro
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Re: Door Pulls

#4 Post by Rick Albro »

The change from flat door pulls to bent door pulls occurred in 57 certainly by September and probably between June-July of 57. 61864, a September of 57 car, has bent inner door pulls. If anyone has a 57 car please speak up and narrow the range. Mike is right in that the authenticity book says 58 this is probably for lack of participation... the change clearly had occurred by 58 and even earlier. Other changes occurred in June July time frame which seems to be a common time of the year for changes to occur during production. Perhaps this aligned with a mid year audit and the fulfillment of an order after that audit...
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Jim Karaba
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Re: Door Pulls

#5 Post by Jim Karaba »

March '57 cab 61596 has curved door pulls

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Brett Johnson
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Re: Door Pulls

#6 Post by Brett Johnson »

I'll be there in a few months -- working on exterior trim now...
Brett Johnson

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Mike Wilson
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Re: Door Pulls

#7 Post by Mike Wilson »

Lots to work on, Brett. Much appreciated!

Mike
Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe

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Ron Cherone
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Re: Door Pulls

#8 Post by Ron Cherone »

Hi, I am currently working on an early T1 56' and believe I have curved ones on car (may have been changed prior to me getting car), so if someone has straight pulls and would like to tade for curved ones, I am willing to make trade, please let me know.
Thanks
Ron

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Brett Johnson
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Re: Door Pulls

#9 Post by Brett Johnson »

So, it appears that there were three. So far the 1956 cars I have information on have a version that is not flat, but not curved as much as later cars. The ones on my 54205 (9/55) 356 coupe are quite flat.
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Brett Johnson
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Re: Door Pulls

#10 Post by Brett Johnson »

These are the ones from an unrestored 6/56 356A.
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Brett Johnson

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