A handle assembly for a vehicle door includes a back plate, including a recessed region displaced away from the exterior surface of the vehicle door. A handle aperture is provided within the recessed region of the back plate with at least one pin mount integrally formed within the recessed region of the back plate. The pin mount includes a void and a slot that is narrower than the void. A handle is pivotally mounted to the back plate and located at least partially within the recessed region, the handle having at least one integrally-formed pin extending at an angle substantially parallel to the body of the handle; the pin operable to be seated in the aperture to allow pivotal movement of the handle. The handle further includes a spring locator operable to retain a handle spring prior to mounting the handle to the back plate.