Finally got back around to the door handles today. Got em sorted to work like Carlos's.This was accomplished by swapping them left for right, taking off the nice thick steel mounting plates, removing the chains and then shimming in and gluing quarter inch-thick fiberglass reinforcement plates behind the handle and mounting bolt (used one to get it to look more like the original; might add the other later if it's janky). Push down to open.
I might still grind the corners off them where they come almost proud of the door voids.
I am pleased to say the door gaps are pretty good and the panels are pretty close to on plane also. Thanks to everyone who contributed advice and photos.