Shortages during this major war led to many modifications to Chevrolet and GMC door handles. War demands for die-cast material changed handle designs on military trucks as well as on a few commercial vehicles purchased by civilians.
The attached photos show these wartime designs. The exterior handles have a stamped steel outer cover. Their inner liner is thinner metal and much more susceptible to rust. The entire assembly at times holds moisture, resulting in damage during below-freezing temperatures.
Both the inside doors and window handles were made with flat steel. This was covered with a Bakelite or plastic-type material in a mold. It prevented rust and gave the shape of the earlier die-cast handles. Unfortunately, years of heat and cold caused shrinkage and cracks. Pieces broke away, and finally, the internal metal strip is all that remains of the original handle.
The door handles usually had a short life, but did serve the purpose during a time when better materials were not available. Most were exchanged for the chrome die-cast style after the war.
Exterior handles; Side view with one ferrule still attached.
GMC Exterior handles; Side view of metal stamping.
Interior handles; The full set. Middle windshield handle not used by military.
Interior handles; Close up of a pair for a door.
The High Point of the Above Article!
This is one of the few NEW WWII window raiser handles in existence. When the war ended, and the chrome die-cast became available again, these “get-by” handles were probably discarded by GM dealerships. No one would buy them! In extremely hot or cold weather, their uncracked life was short.
NOTE: As the demand for metal during these war years was high, no new cars were produced. Most car and truck factories were changed over to producing war products. Thus, it is assumed these unusual door handles were sold mostly by the dealers as replacements for a damaged original. (Which makes them even more unusual.)