Quick question about door handle orientation

[mnahon]

Hi, this is a quick question to people that have a pagoda with one-sided key door handles, and who have taken out those door handles. I'm trying to understand how to distinguish left and right door handles. If I understand correctly, the door handle in the picture below is a driver's door handle because:
(a) the keyhole is in the lower part of the door knob, and
(b) the internal 'wings' are pointed upward.
Is this correct?

Also, is the rubber pad supposed to have its thick part on top or on the bottom?

[JN]

looks correct to me

and the thick part should be on the bottom

JN

[sandcrab59]

I just looked at my 280SL.
You have it right.
The thick part goes at the top.
Since the skin of the door is curved the thick part makes the handle even and looks correct.
Place it against the door and you will see what I am talking about.
Tom

[mnahon]

Thanks for your replies.

Regarding the rubber pad: I agree with Tom that it looks more correct with the thick part at the top. However, the marking on this pad says 'rechts' (right), implying it should be on the right side handle and hence would have the thin edge at the top. So there's the conundrum.

I'd be curious to hear what other people have. Is the thick part of the pad at the top or bottom of your door handles?

[DaveB]

The thickest part is at the top on mine also. I had noticed that 'rechts' issue but don't know what to make of it. The rubber pads have 111 part numbers, so is it possible the W111 door skins have a different curve? (doesn't seem likely).
Also, on my handles, the key slot is at the top of the pushbutton. This is a 230SL 1965.

[mnahon]

I did a google search for pictures of Pagoda door handles, see below. It seems pretty universal that the thick part of the pad is at the top.

Many of these handles have the two-sided keyhole, which is centered on the button. The ones with a one-sided keyhole have the keyhole on the bottom. So Dave, it's possible your handles are swapped left/right.

[mnahon]

more pictures

[mnahon]

and more

[mnahon]

more...

[mnahon]

this one from Motoring Investments...