Tailgate latch removal - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Kixwy2 · 06-04-2008, 08:17 PM

My tailgate handle is busted and I need to replace it. I got as far as taking the three screws off the back, but I am stumped as to how to get the rods off the handle, and then pop the handle out. The Haynes manual says nothing about the removal of the handle, only the gate from the truck.

I can't find anything here after searching either, and the "quick little project" is starting to piss me off. I'm afraid I'll break or bend the rods, and I don't want to do that.

Anyone have any tricks or advice? Pictures would be awesome too.

babyJay · 06-04-2008, 08:45 PM

Those Haynes sure are useful.

If memory serves me correctly the rods just clip into a plastic retainer. Did you try prying with a flat screwdriver?

85gmcguy · 06-04-2008, 08:46 PM

These are the steps from the handle relocater kit I installed.

Remove the tailgate from the truck and place face down on saw horses or work bench.

Remove the three screws that hold the handle in place, unhook the rods and then remove handle from the tailgate.

From my experience, to gain more slack on the rods, push the latches in and block them. Spray the rod ends with some WD-40 and pry them out of the latch with a big screwdriver. The little clips will most likely break, but they're cheap and easy to replace.Lots of luck!

DESTRO · 06-04-2008, 11:51 PM

Where do you get new clips? anyone have a pic of one?
I need to do this too

Kixwy2 · 06-05-2008, 12:28 AM

Well, that was a horrendous pain in the ass.

Thanks for the advice 85gmcguy, that helped a lot. I was worried about bending the rods, but they were tough little buggers.

The retaining clips on the rods had disintegrated into powder, which had gummed up the holes the rods were in. Then, because the assembly was bent all to hell I had a really hard time taking the rods out to remove the handle.

On the plus side, I think the latch is salvageable with some "massaging" (ie, whacking with a hammer on a vise) so I can put the same handle back on.

I suppose "installation is the reverse of removal"?

85gmcguy · 06-05-2008, 06:35 PM

Here are the ones I bought.

http://www.classicparts.com/1979-87-...info/11%2D367/

06-04-2008, 08:17 PM	#1
Kixwy2 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 177	Tailgate latch removal My tailgate handle is busted and I need to replace it. I got as far as taking the three screws off the back, but I am stumped as to how to get the rods off the handle, and then pop the handle out. The Haynes manual says nothing about the removal of the handle, only the gate from the truck. I can't find anything here after searching either, and the "quick little project" is starting to piss me off. I'm afraid I'll break or bend the rods, and I don't want to do that. Anyone have any tricks or advice? Pictures would be awesome too. __________________ 1974 GMC C-10; my new addiction 1998 4 Runner; daily driver

06-04-2008, 08:45 PM	#2
babyJay Arrived on a Pale Horse Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SnagTown Indiana Posts: 2,524	Re: Tailgate latch removal Those Haynes sure are useful. If memory serves me correctly the rods just clip into a plastic retainer. Did you try prying with a flat screwdriver? __________________ Jason 87 V30 350TBI/400 White w/Boss V-plow 89 R3500 CC SRW

06-04-2008, 08:46 PM	#3
85gmcguy Plays with trucks Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 433	Re: Tailgate latch removal These are the steps from the handle relocater kit I installed. Remove the tailgate from the truck and place face down on saw horses or work bench. Remove the three screws that hold the handle in place, unhook the rods and then remove handle from the tailgate. From my experience, to gain more slack on the rods, push the latches in and block them. Spray the rod ends with some WD-40 and pry them out of the latch with a big screwdriver. The little clips will most likely break, but they're cheap and easy to replace.Lots of luck! __________________ Gary My Dad's Old Truck 1985

06-04-2008, 11:51 PM	#4
DESTRO Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Buckeye state Posts: 168	Re: Tailgate latch removal Where do you get new clips? anyone have a pic of one? I need to do this too

06-05-2008, 12:28 AM	#5
Kixwy2 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 177	Re: Tailgate latch removal Well, that was a horrendous pain in the ass. Thanks for the advice 85gmcguy, that helped a lot. I was worried about bending the rods, but they were tough little buggers. The retaining clips on the rods had disintegrated into powder, which had gummed up the holes the rods were in. Then, because the assembly was bent all to hell I had a really hard time taking the rods out to remove the handle. On the plus side, I think the latch is salvageable with some "massaging" (ie, whacking with a hammer on a vise) so I can put the same handle back on. I suppose "installation is the reverse of removal"? __________________ 1974 GMC C-10; my new addiction 1998 4 Runner; daily driver

06-05-2008, 06:35 PM	#6
85gmcguy Plays with trucks Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 433	Re: Tailgate latch removal Here are the ones I bought. http://www.classicparts.com/1979-87-...info/11%2D367/ __________________ Gary My Dad's Old Truck 1985

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