Rear latch removal help

[MikeS]

OK, I'm stumped I'm determined to get my hard top refurbished this summer so I can drive the truck next winter. So I started the project today by taking on the rear hatch (thanks for the donor Kurt!). I've got all the hardware off except for the handle. How do you get it out? I've taken off all the screws and bolts I can find. Even knocked out the two retaining pins I could find and got the tumbler out. But the handle won't come apart.

What am I missing?

Also, anybody got a good suggestion for doing the texturing? I was thinking of some kind of roll on bedliner. Do they make it in white?

Mike