Well Don, I went to the junkward this weekend and found a solid made of metal door handle which I decided to use.... They are from a Ford Tempo, should hold up extremely well. I thought about the knob Idea, but couldnt get over the ease of having the handle right there in front of you.... heres some pics of the install and handles.
Notice The robust metal gear instead of the plastic one on the mustang, plus they are chromed...