Well this is my first post so please forgive any blunders. I am but a humble newbie. If this has already been posted I apologize... I searched and did not have any luck so I thought I would share.

I've had my 2006 XA since 2006 and lately I've wanted a little change... something that would not cost a lot of money or take up too much time.

I noticed the handles from the 2006 TC looked similar and decided to buy a handle off ebay and give it a go. They are compatible and very easy to swap. This is not a write up post, but here are some pictures. I've skipped removing the door panel/trim, because there are already really well done write ups.
[IMG][/IMG]

A/B are the two areas that are holding the door handle to the door... the tab on the left is the area you will focus on first, but do not pull the handle far away from the door because B on the far right is not the same type of tab as A, but instead are two plastic edges that slid out...shown below
[IMG][/IMG]

I successfully removed three handles without damaging them, but the driver side door handle seemed to be stuck so I used a flat head and gently pried... which snapped the edge of tab A off the old handle. Not really an issue, unless you wanted to sell them... and I believe it would still be ok when the door was reinstalled and pressed on it. Just be careful and use your fingers and give it a little pull and wiggle.


After that, there are two wires going into the handle... you will probably need to flip the handle upside down to face you (as seen in the picture). First, remove the cord with the green color plastic (#1 in the photo) so that you can angle the handle however you need to get the #2 wire hook loose. When you put the new handle back on have it upright and put #2 back in first, flip it upside down (like in the picture) and insert #1 last.

Reverse your steps to install the handle back on the door.... at that point I functioned checked everything before I replaced the trim. After getting the trim back on I thought it was misaligned because of the slight edge shown below.... however, the factory XA handles have the exact same thing. Sorry about the blurry pic


Final pics.



Four handles $34 (used- ebay sellers said they fit TC 05-10). Nothing special, but a small change that makes a noticeable difference when you've stared at black handles for many years

 

That's a tC handle all right. Nice going buddy, and welcome. I like the creativity factor of this. Nice simple modest modificatin. Good going.

 

I forgot to mention as well if anyone needs the handles (either individually or the whole set) I'll sell them for 8 (includes shipping) each or 25 for all four (includes shipping).