I have a nice new set of vinyl door panels (with no holes in yet) for my 1970 bug and I do not have the armrests to match, I was hoping to use some chrome pulls instead. I have actually brought some from the hardware store that I really like but am scared to ruin the door panels with them. My questions are;
Has anyone used regular kitchen style chrome door pulls on their car and did it work ok?
And do the empi chrome door pulls replace the armrests or are they supposed to be in addition?
Thanks guys, appreciate any help.

Hi,
I can only tell You that in the 50s and 60s
[maybe 40s, I'm not that old..lol.]

Most cars had the chromed door pulls as an accessory item

There was the standard pull handle as used on drawers...

or the hinged type, that You put your fingers under to pull, And it opened up...

they were usually just screwed to the painted section of the door....
there was also an aluminium piece that could be placed under the handles so the paint never got scratched...
these could be oval shaped or other shapes...
they looked terrible in My opinion...

so, in answer to Your question...

Many cars in those years didn't have an armrest to pull...
like the early beetle armrests, which didn't have a hole in the middle to put your fingers..

the inside door handle was usually used to close the door...

If You have a late beetle with armrests, You could try the handles You have...
if You don't like them take them off and cover the holes with the standard armrests..
this means placing the handles where the armrests go...

I hope this helps...

Best of Luck

Lee