Tailgate release handle question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**hooverfish** · 08-17-2019, 02:56 PM

Need to take off my handle and clean, sand, paint.
Is this an easy disassemble and then reverse ?
Maybe remove the large phillips screws on the inside tailgate surface ?
but wanted to ask before I do something wrong.
I've never taken apart tailgate internals.

Barnfind46 · 08-17-2019, 06:33 PM

Simple process. Remove the Phillips screws. Use a type of penetrating on them and let them soak. When removing them use a socket style #3 Phillips bit with a ratchet. This will give you better leverage to get them out. The two rods to the latches pop off the handle. They are held by the barrel clips which are friction fit. The latches are just the two bolts on each end. They are left and right specific so make note of that. It all goes back in reverse order. Good luck!

**tdangle** · 08-17-2019, 06:40 PM

If the screws don't loosen up right away, don't force and strip the heads. Use an impact screwdriver to loosen. If you don't have one home depot, harbor freight everyone has them I believe $10 to $15. Worth every penny!

**hooverfish** · 08-17-2019, 09:00 PM

Thanks Guys ! Just wanted to make sure I wasn't starting something I'd regret.
Handle is also crooked so hopefully will fix that on reinstall.

**hooverfish** · 08-20-2019, 02:35 PM

Got it done, primed, painted, wet sanded, buffed. Looks MUCH better.
Borrowed neighbors impact driver, and yes it was required.
Thanks again for the help, advice.

Barnfind46 · 08-20-2019, 03:01 PM

Glad it worked out. Looks great!

08-17-2019, 02:56 PM	#1
hooverfish Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lexington, Ky Posts: 2,112	Tailgate release handle question Need to take off my handle and clean, sand, paint. Is this an easy disassemble and then reverse ? Maybe remove the large phillips screws on the inside tailgate surface ? but wanted to ask before I do something wrong. I've never taken apart tailgate internals. __________________ Larry 84 Chevy SWB, "Roy", dark blue orig paint, 6 cyl auto, PS, 88,000 miles. 72 Highlander LWB "Olive" med olive over lt yellow, air, 77,000 miles (sold) "It's a sorry man who can't find his wife a good job"

08-17-2019, 06:33 PM	#2
Barnfind46 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Mena,Arkansas Posts: 485	Re: Tailgate release handle question Simple process. Remove the Phillips screws. Use a type of penetrating on them and let them soak. When removing them use a socket style #3 Phillips bit with a ratchet. This will give you better leverage to get them out. The two rods to the latches pop off the handle. They are held by the barrel clips which are friction fit. The latches are just the two bolts on each end. They are left and right specific so make note of that. It all goes back in reverse order. Good luck! __________________ 68' with no bells or whistles unless I add'em.

08-17-2019, 09:00 PM	#4
hooverfish Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lexington, Ky Posts: 2,112	Re: Tailgate release handle question Thanks Guys ! Just wanted to make sure I wasn't starting something I'd regret. Handle is also crooked so hopefully will fix that on reinstall. Attached Images __________________ Larry 84 Chevy SWB, "Roy", dark blue orig paint, 6 cyl auto, PS, 88,000 miles. 72 Highlander LWB "Olive" med olive over lt yellow, air, 77,000 miles (sold) "It's a sorry man who can't find his wife a good job"

08-20-2019, 02:35 PM	#5
hooverfish Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lexington, Ky Posts: 2,112	Re: Tailgate release handle question Got it done, primed, painted, wet sanded, buffed. Looks MUCH better. Borrowed neighbors impact driver, and yes it was required. Thanks again for the help, advice. Attached Images __________________ Larry 84 Chevy SWB, "Roy", dark blue orig paint, 6 cyl auto, PS, 88,000 miles. 72 Highlander LWB "Olive" med olive over lt yellow, air, 77,000 miles (sold) "It's a sorry man who can't find his wife a good job"

08-20-2019, 03:01 PM	#6
Barnfind46 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Mena,Arkansas Posts: 485	Re: Tailgate release handle question Glad it worked out. Looks great! __________________ 68' with no bells or whistles unless I add'em.

08-17-2019, 06:40 PM	#3
tdangle Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jurupa Valley, Ca Posts: 1,209	Re: Tailgate release handle question If the screws don't loosen up right away, don't force and strip the heads. Use an impact screwdriver to loosen. If you don't have one home depot, harbor freight everyone has them I believe $10 to $15. Worth every penny! __________________ Terry 1970 Custom Camper/C20 , GM Crate 350/7004R, Dana 60, factory AC



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