On the subject of illuminated acrylic entrance handles: I replaced the deteriorated outside acrylic rod with a one foot by one inch rod ordered on eBay for less than $10. I just had to bevel one end slightly with a rasp. Naturally the replacement rod does not have the word BEAVER but that could likely be remedied with patience and a dremel tool.
While I was at it, I removed the inside handle and found that although the wiring is there, there was no bulb or socket. ( a bulb was likely a standard option on higher priced models). I snipped about an inch of strip light LEDs, attached it to the wires and now the inside handle provides vital lighting where previously company had to grope in the dark for the door latch. The wires that were there are 'hot' when the inside step lights are switched on.
