The Grippin’ Billet handles are made of a high-quality, solid piece of billet aluminum. By solid we mean that the handles are heavy duty and do not seem flimsy in any way.
There are many ways to add flash to your truck, but some of them are time consuming, expensive or overpowering. Then there’s a product such as Grippin’ Billet door handles. Grippin’ Billet handles will not only add a little sparkle to an otherwise bland part, but they will do so in an easy way without breaking your budget.
Form and function coexist in the Grippin’ Billet handles, which have finger ridges for easy pulling.
For years, OEM manufacturers have tried to make the handles of their vehicles blend in (with the possible exception of Nissan and its new 350Z), yet still be easy to operate. While there is something to be said for the mono-colored design found on most vehicles, it is not always inspiring when it comes to looks. It takes the correct package to balance it all out. That is why some folks add stock handles of assorted designs from other vehicles, in which the entire bucket and the handle are sometimes chromed. This, too, can be a bit much for some people.
That’s where Grippin’ Billet comes in. The company has come up with a handle that is installed into the stock bucket. This way, the handle is the only part of the assembly that is chromed, so the overall look is not too much for most tastes. In addition, the company offers many types of handle designs. You can get two types of flames, holes, swoops, a split design—you get the idea.
The handles come with a protective plastic sheet applied to them. The staff at Grippin’ Billet recommends that these should be removed only after the handles have been installed. However, we needed to take nice pictures of the handles so we asked the installer to remove the plastic for the sake of “art.”
In addition to the passenger doors, Grippin’ Billet also makes handles for the rear hatch door.
Although some may like the mono-colored look that the Tahoe comes with, for those who want some spice these handles have to go.
We were on hand as Grippin’ Billet employee Charley Henley installed a set of billet handles on this 2005 Chevy Tahoe. These particular handles featured a “ball-milled” look. For a better idea of the different styles the company offers, check out its website.
To get to the handles, the doors must be disassembled. To begin, the panel opposite the mirror is removed.
There are items such as the inner handle bezel and the lock bezel that need to be removed. This is easily done with a flat-blade screwdriver, but take care not to damage anything.
The switch panel is pried up and the electrical connection is broken.
The courtesy light is removed and the light is pulled from its back.
Depending on the year and model of vehicle you own, there may or may not be a bolt in the area of the lock bezel. If there is, remove it. There is also a bolt below the pull handle, and it should also be removed at this time.
The door panel is removed by pulling up on it. Make sure that there are no electrical connections or other things holding the panel in place before it is pulled completely away from the truck.
There is a protective plastic sheeting that covers the inner workings of the door. This will be peeled back, but be careful since it will be put back in place once the job is done.
A rubber plug is removed from the outer edge of the door, exposing the upper bolt that holds the handle assembly to the door.
The upper bolt is removed.
The lower bolt is accessed through a hole along the edge of the jamb
It takes a little body English to get to the leading 10mm bolt, but it can be done.
With the bolts removed, the handle is gently pulled out and down slightly.
There are two connections that are held in place with plastic clips. The clips are rotated out to release the rods.
A pair of side cutters is used to remove the pin that operates the mechanism that pulls the actuating rods.
The head of the handle pivot pin is flared out, so it takes a few squeezes with the side cutters to collapse it down enough to be pulled out.
The stock handle is pulled out.
The rubber pad is removed from the stock handle.
The pad is installed onto the new Grippin’ Billet handle.
The new Grippin’ Billet handle is slipped into the bucket.
Grippin’ Billet uses (and provides) an Allen-head bolt as the pivot, but care must be taken not to tighten it down too much or the handle won’t be able to move.
Now is the time to check the action of the handle. It shouldn’t be too tight or have too much play.
The stock pin is reused to hold the rod pull mechanism together.
The handle is reinstalled on the truck.
The mounting bolts are reinstalled.
The new Grippin’ Billet handle is on, and it looks great.
Grippin’ Billet offers many styles of handles, including ones that feature bullets, flames and other looks. It also offers handles for Ford and Dodge pickups, so there is a Grippin’ Billet handle for whatever look you want or vehicle you drive.
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