I found some unibody TG handles online, but I was wondering about the quality of parts. I have my original, but they were sand blasted and never painted so they need sandblasted again. They are a little pitted too, but that might cover up
with a few coats. I was thinking maybe powder coating would be more durable than painting, but they probably need to come apart for any coating. Is powder coating a good option or just get new aftermarket? What have other members done?

 

I hear reports the finish on the reproduction parts is sub par, doesn't last long. Personally, I'm still using well worn originals.

 

Thanks for the reply, I’m not at all surprised to hear that, but I am still wondering what would be suitable for refinishing the old ones. I’m leaning towards powder coating, but haven’t checked on pricing yet.

 

I bought some aftermarket ones a few years ago. Zinc plating is fair at best but I didn't install them so not sure how they hold up over time. Quality was fine other than that. If you powder coat them you may want to do it all as separate pieces and come up with an alternative to the rivet.

 

I think you’re correct about disassembly, and figure some other method to reassemble.

 

Spring pins might work in place of the rivet.
https://www.almabolt.com/pages/catal...springroll.htm

 

Spring pins would probably work, but I was thinking doing a rivet and peening it with my good old ball peen hammer. I’m sure it wouldn’t be as pretty as the original.

 

I think the walls of the handle are thick enough that you could countersink them and use a steel binder post or sex bolt... I have never used one as heavy duty as you would need but I think they are out there.

 

I’ve not heard that term before, but I guess it makes sense