I am not sure what will be tougher - the panel work - or all the fidgety bits that actually lock/unlock/latch/unlatch the door. Cutting the panel and creating that little indentation to scooch yr hand under the handle is gonna be tricky work. How good are you at TIG or MIG wielding? Those patches are gonna have to be smooth, like butter and controlling the heat on that sheet metal is gonna work you last nerve. How about this: French them in!!! You know, like they do in chop and drop cars. Remove the handle and latch assy., cover over the indentation with some fibreglass and epoxy, then replace the old unit with a new power one that uses a transponder/proximity sensor. The transponder goes in your pocket or wallet, the proximity sensor on the electric door lock actuator unlocks and pops the door open a crack as you approach. The flanks of your car would then be totally clean and the WOW factor would be way up there. Good luck. see here for basic idea: http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/howto/32199/
shaved or frenched, I can't remeber.
Cutting the panel and creating that little indentation to scooch yr hand under the handle is gonna be tricky work. How good are you at TIG or MIG wielding? Those patches are gonna have to be smooth, like butter and controlling the heat on that sheet metal is gonna work you last nerve. How about this: French them in!!! You know, like they do in chop and drop cars.
Remove the handle and latch assy., cover over the indentation with some fibreglass and epoxy, then replace the old unit with a new power one that uses a transponder/proximity sensor. The transponder goes in your pocket or wallet, the proximity sensor on the electric door lock actuator unlocks and pops the door open a crack as you approach.
The flanks of your car would then be totally clean and the WOW factor would be way up there.
Good luck.
see here for basic idea: http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/howto/32199/