tailgate panel
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New User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 12
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tailgate panel
Does anyone know how to remove and replace the chrome tailgate panel on an Eddie Bauer? My 89 EB had a very badly rusted tailgate and I finally found one from a scrap yard with no rust but there is no chrome panel or mounting holes. I want to swap the panel from the old tailgate to the new one but I'm not sure how. Any help is appreciated!
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 937
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tailgate panel
It's pretty easy. The chrome panel has studs which (obviously) run thru holes in the tailgate. You'll have to open the tailgate, remove access panel, trick safety switch and roll window out being careful to support it/don't break it. Then you should be able to see/feel the nuts on the studs. As for the new holes, I just measured off the old tailgate and drilled the new one. Be sure to pop the driver's latch back open (the one you closed to fool the safety switch) before trying to slam the tailgate closed!!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 3
From: Bismarck, ND
tailgate panel
Go to the (driver's side, I believe) latch mounted on the tailgate, which closes around the post mounted in the rear jamb area of the truck. There are two tabs, or "ears" that close around the post when the tailgate is closed. With the gate open, you can press both ears inward, toward each other, and they will lock into place, forming a circular "hole", where the post would normally be located. With them in this position, the electrics "think" the gate is closed, and will allow the glass to be raised or lowered. Be very careful to support the glass if you raise it with the tailgate lowered! I support mine with my hand, and when it's all the way out, place a sawhouse under it and stuff a large rag or pillow in to support and pad it. Once you're done and ready to close the gate, simply pull the tailgate release handle, and the ears will pop loose, into the open position. Also, if you're drilling new holes to mount the panel, a finger-full of clear silicone sealer around each new hole would be recommended, for rust prevention purposes.
