Hi all,

I know on the F150's with chrome or body color exterior door handles, there is a removable 'cap' that can be carefully pried/snapped off the exterior handles, and that "cap" is actually the part that is chrome or body color. (see pic below)

My question is: Are the base "carbon black"/textured black exterior door handles constructed the same way? i.e., is there a plastic outer cover that can be snapped off the base black (carbon black) covers as well, or is their construction different whereas the grab handle is all one piece? UPDATE ANSWER: YES, the carbon black ones are also exchangeable shells, but those shells don't seem to be sold separately from Ford.

My new rapid red XLT unfortunately has the "chrome" package, and thus I am working my way through DE-chroming the truck, and those chrome handles are next to go. My hope was that if the black handles are built the same way, it would be an extremely simple matter to replace the chrome handle 'skins' with black ones (assuming I could find some).

I know there are stick-on replacement handle covers, but I am really wanting to avoid that. Alternative is to just buy all 4 brand new base door handle assemblies and swap them all out. Would hate to have to go that route.

 

I do believe so. You could check a site like Tasca Parts to see if they sell it.

 

I have checked with a few online parts houses (including Tasca, Fairway, et al), and didn't see any breakdown beyond the *entire* exterior door handle as an assembly.

Perhaps some kind soul with the base black textured handles could give it a look?
This Youtube shows how -- go to about the 55 second mark:

 

Your assumption that the "cap" can be popped off is correct. I've done it. You may find someone here who has popped off a set of black textured ones and would work a deal with you. I may still have mine. PM me to remind me to look for them. You can find PTM (paint to match) Rapid Red ones on eBay possibly, or elsewhere, if you wanted to go that direction. Not a fan of the stick on covers. I ended up buying four exterior door handle assemblies in Shadow Black on eBay pretty cheap, because I wanted the PTM look. I simply popped off the Shadow Black caps and swapped them out. You do not have to take the door apart, just pop off the existing covers from the outside. You may have to do the same thing to find the black textured versions. The good news is they are really pretty cheap on eBay, even if you have to buy the full assemblies. The caps just pop off with a narrow flathead screwdriver. If you think you want to go PTM, buying the complete assembly seems expensive at first, but it's pretty cheap considering how much it would be to have a shop paint them correctly. Not sure if you need two or four. The caps do not (as far as I know) have Ford part numbers. In my case, the back plate on the assembly is the same textured finish as the trim around the windows and my truck is black, so it works well together. I think your back plate is painted Rapid Red, so if you found caps already PTM, that would look sharp.

 

UPDATE: bought a really nice set of used black shells from rohada -- THANKS!

Snapped right on as I had hoped, and are looking great! It is a really easy, quick and clean swap for those considering a similar project.

Attached a pic of the shells I took off below. They will be in the for sale section soon (with larger pics of course)

Thanks again to rohada and to all who commented!

 

Kent5, did you get those chrome covers sold? I'm looking for a right rear passenger if you're willing to sell it or the set.

 

hello! I did in fact sell them, not too long after the ad went up. Good luck in your search!

 

My 2 cents....
I have a very plain 23 XL, with the 'pebbly' simple black handles.
I would have sworn or bet mine were not like that... and they are!
Actually a very cool system.
Pull the little plug in the jamb, even with the handle, pull the handle, loosen the 5mm stud, and the handle finishes pulling out.
Pry the structural cover off, and expect the other side to grab your fingers in a pinch - yepp, both sides will do it!
Going back in, the (now nude) handle will stop, and then sorta get pulled in as you wind the stud back in.
Really, could not be simpler to remove and reinstall.

Now, anyone know how rough to leave the pebbly part before paint?
For the little movement to spread and go past the catches, do I have to worry about a flex additive, or will rattle cans do?

 

Anyone know where I can find the black shell covers replacements for the handles on my 2017 XLT? I have chrome and I just want to replace them with black ones. Don’t want the plastic covers with adhesive everyone seems to offer. Willing to sell the chrome I have once I find replacements

 

Welcome to the forum @Nickoplato Does this help you out?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...or+handle,1024