Tailgate handle bolts
 

Does anyone know what years used Phillips heads vs. bolt heads for the tailgate handle? These are on the inside of the gate. What size are the threads and how long are they?

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

pop one out and measure it. You may need an impact driver to remove them. I would replace with stainless steel, no rust

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

He may not actually have one to measure. I'm sure someone here has a helpful answer....

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

The problem is I bought a gate with no hardware so I ordered a new handle, rods and latches but it the kit does not include bolts. The attached photo is just an example I was using to refer to. Sorry for the confusion. Thanks.

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

I did the same, bought a new tailgate with new hardware and no screws. Had to reuse mine which are rusty. Need to change them out. Later today I'll pull one of mine and let you know.

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

I believe they are 5/16-18 by 1/2" long. Someone double check this for me. If you use stainless steel...use anti-seize. The affordable grades of SS hardware galls easily and could cause your handle mechanism to be rather permanent. I used SS button heads with SS rubber bonded washers...turned out nice.

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

Off the top of my head they are 5/16"-18 X 1" but for length I could be wrong and they may only be 3/4" length instead of 1".
Paul Jr @ GMCPauls

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

Just checked mine, original 5/16 18 thread and the thread length is 3/4". Only unique thing about the screw is it is a fairly large shallow round head called a truss head. (yes I looked it up!)

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

Thanks everyone.

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

Is it just me or are these aftermarket handles cheaply built? I bought one, it came damaged and bent. It was really flimsy where it hinges. Called the company and they sent another one but I'm not even going to take it out of the plastic because I can tell it's as flimsy as the first one. Any suggestions on where to get a good one? I found a really nice OEM gate but someone took the handle and hardware before me.

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

Is it just me or are these aftermarket handles cheaply built? I bought one, it came damaged and bent. It was really flimsy where it hinges. Called the company and they sent another one but I'm not even going to take it out of the plastic because I can tell it's as flimsy as the first one. Any suggestions on where to get a good one? I found a really nice OEM gate but someone took the handle and hardware before me.

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

Alright, what an I doing wrong? I bought a factory gate with no hardware. So I purchased a new handle assembly. It did not fit. When bolted in, the handle hits the gate. Took it apart and it looks bent. Box was beat up, maybe damage from shipping. Called the company and they sent a replacement. I could tell it looked the same but tried it anyway. Same thing. Hits on the handle opening. It will not lift up. An I just dealing with cheap aftermarket parts? Or am I missing something simple? I have no original to go off. It hits where I'm pointing in the pics.

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

Can't post pics for some reason.

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

try again.

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

one more

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

Besides posting here I also just replied to 1 of your emails to the office. We shipped you both tailgate handles and I myself checked that there were no issues with the 2nd handle before sending it. They work correctly in both OEM and reproduction tailgates and the looking at your photo of outside of tailgate shows the tailgate handle opening to be bent in several locations. In regards to flimsy the tailgate reproduction handle is just as heavily made as the original's. The issue is your OEM tailgate is damaged around the handle opening.
Paul Jr @ GMCPauls

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

Truss head, interesting. I've been calling them high crown. I second 5/16-18 x 3/4. Stamped E even:lol: Same screws are used for in-tire carrier and jack accessories springs.

This thread got me thinking, my handle may be bent, though I don't see it. It's too close the molding when I open it, IMO. The handle on my other :chevy: sits further back and clears easily, but it's bent for sure. Does anyone have a close-up for a properly positioned handle, and can you describe the clearance when you open it?

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

I should have taken a photo of my friends truck. His is original gate and handle and it clears nicely. If guess about 1/4 inch between top edge of handle and gate. I'm on the hunt for an OEM handle locally.

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

I think if you elongated the holes a bit you can lower the handle
To give you the needed gap
Many repop parts need a bit of finish alignment

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VeRC7TmolnM

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

I thought about that but the holes have a raised edge inside the gate, plus that could result in a loose handle situation down the road if those bolts have any movement in the hole.

Re: Tailgate handle bolts
 

Does anyone know if there is a difference in the tailgate latch/handle assembly between a pickup and blazer?