New door handles--rekeyed?

[Dr. Overkill]

Gang,
A chunk of the metal edging around my '97 hoe's driver's side door handle broke off. It's had a crack in it forever, but usually didn't cause any trouble (except occasionally it would stick out and I'd scratch my hand on it).

The other day I was dusting the hoe and I guess one strand got caught in it and next think you know a chunk breaks off

Anyway, my question is if I buy a replacement handle assembly, will I be able to re-key it to match my current key? Or can I swap out the lock barrel assembly from my old latch to the new one?

Side note: I'm thinking of switching to a smooth handle (it has the rough finish now). Question is whether I go cheap and just do the one for now, or open the wallet and do all three (passenger side and tailgate too).

Any info on the key situation appreciated.

TIA,
_dennis

[josh25]

You swap out your barrel into the new one. Also if you get on ebay you can usually find a package of all the door handles on there for pretty cheap.

[BHB]

There is a spring clip that holds the lock cylinder into the handle. Easy to swap over.
The OBS Escalades had the smooth handles, and are usually easier for the dealer (I would reccomend buying GM stuff) to find when you tell them you want the smooth handles. They do, however, have larger gaskets that sit outside the recess of the door handle hole.

[Dr. Overkill]

Originally Posted by BHB

There is a spring clip that holds the lock cylinder into the handle. Easy to swap over.
The OBS Escalades had the smooth handles, and are usually easier for the dealer (I would reccomend buying GM stuff) to find when you tell them you want the smooth handles. They do, however, have larger gaskets that sit outside the recess of the door handle hole.

Hrm, good to know--thanks. How far outside the recess are we talking about here? I'll have to scrounge up some close-up pix of an Esky's door...

_dennis

[BHB]

Just install them without the gasket.

[PEDROG]

nice to know

[Dr. Overkill]

Originally Posted by BHB

Just install them without the gasket.

Will that allow water to seep into the door?

BTW, what range of years of the Esky's match a '97 hoe as far as door handles go?
_d

[BHB]

Originally Posted by Dr. Overkill

Will that allow water to seep into the door?

BTW, what range of years of the Esky's match a '97 hoe as far as door handles go?
_d

I don't think it would be much more than then gets in from the weatherstrip.

Esky's from start of production to 2000, I belive.