Need some tailgate handle (replacement) help.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Elizabeth City, NC
Need some tailgate handle (replacement) help.
Since I got a box of parts from Rock Auto today, I PROMISE, that after this is fixed, I will finally start a "build" thread...BIG thanks, in advance.
PLEASE tell me what could be wrong here. New replacement tailgate handle, other parts are original.
Looking up into the tailgate
Too much spring extension causing these pieces to NOT work together properly
Tailgate handle, while not operational, sticking out too far. It can be pushed in, but still no worky
When pushed in, these parts don't work together as designed
PLEASE tell me what could be wrong here. New replacement tailgate handle, other parts are original.
Looking up into the tailgate
Too much spring extension causing these pieces to NOT work together properly
Tailgate handle, while not operational, sticking out too far. It can be pushed in, but still no worky
When pushed in, these parts don't work together as designed
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Elizabeth City, NC
I agree about the "Made in Taiwan" part, but it is a project with a VERY small budget. I'm usually quite particular about such things.
The latch; how can I be sure it is in the closed position, or can I just disconnect the rods, "close" the handle, and reconnect the rods?
The latch; how can I be sure it is in the closed position, or can I just disconnect the rods, "close" the handle, and reconnect the rods?
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
I agree about the "Made in Taiwan" part, but it is a project with a VERY small budget. I'm usually quite particular about such things.
The latch; how can I be sure it is in the closed position, or can I just disconnect the rods, "close" the handle, and reconnect the rods?
The latch; how can I be sure it is in the closed position, or can I just disconnect the rods, "close" the handle, and reconnect the rods?
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,966
Likes: 2,728
From: Virginia
You should be able to take the handle out, clamp it in a vise, and get it figured out by working it like that. That's the way I usually fix the original handles, by bending them back the way they are supposed to be and welding any cracks.
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,122
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From: Haysville, KS
I realize budget, but some parts are worth paying the price for.
I bought the 'inexpensive' tailgate latch handle and struggled with it, like you are, for quite a while. I tried bending, modifying, and even welded up an area that kept slipping.
I finally broke down and bought a NOS part. Popped right in and worked flawless.
A 15 minute job with the right parts. A three week disaster with the chinese version.
For me, it was worth the NOS part. It cost me about $40
I bought the 'inexpensive' tailgate latch handle and struggled with it, like you are, for quite a while. I tried bending, modifying, and even welded up an area that kept slipping.
I finally broke down and bought a NOS part. Popped right in and worked flawless.
A 15 minute job with the right parts. A three week disaster with the chinese version.
For me, it was worth the NOS part. It cost me about $40
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Elizabeth City, NC
As it turns out, the new chrome Made in Taiwan tailgate handle isn't worth a #?*!. 
I took the original handle, freed it up, lubed it up, stole the spring from the new handle and used it. Tailgate operation is now a one-finger job.
HOWEVER, it looks like crap...lol
I took the original handle, freed it up, lubed it up, stole the spring from the new handle and used it. Tailgate operation is now a one-finger job.
HOWEVER, it looks like crap...lol
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Elizabeth City, NC
Fortunately (for me and probably the part, too lol) I didn't have to put it in the vise. I guess I could take it and compare it to the Taiwanese handle and see what the differences are. Worst part is that the Taiwanese one looked crooked like that when bolted up...
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 709
Likes: 2
From: MN
That's nothing a little water and quad-ott steel wool can't fix
Quad ott steel wool on chrome shines up bumpers like new in no time! I use it all the time when I have some polishing/rust removal to do.
Quad ott steel wool on chrome shines up bumpers like new in no time! I use it all the time when I have some polishing/rust removal to do.
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