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The $free (well realy cheap) tailgate handle relocation

Last Updated: Feb 24, 2015
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okay I was going to do this earlier when I did it but lost some in progress pics but nothing to important.


STEP 1: Remove rear panel on tailgate and removed handle


STEP 2: To start off you need to cut out the section in the skin of your tailgate that houses the handle using a die grinder with cut off wheel

STEP 3: you need a piece of sheet metal trace the outline of the piece you just cut on to the sheetmetal and cut it out for a filler.


STEP 4: flip the tailgate over and cut out the section that was behind were the handle mounted
before



STEP 5: Take the piece the handle mounts up to and align it to the top of the center indent on the removable panel and mark it for cutting.



STEP 6: Remove latch assemblies and flip the rods 180 degrees from what they were and reinstall


STEP 7: Weld in front filler plate and handle bucket to removable panel taking your time spot welding so you don't warp it


STEP 8: You will need to make a piece of metal to fill the hole on the bottom of the handle bucket your choice on how you want it



STEP 9: Grind it down taking your time so it doesn't warp and make sure it is completely welded


STEP 10: Apply body filler if needed and block sand so it is straight and you can be proud of your work

STEP 11: After paint reassemble the rear panel with the handle attached to the panel, it will take some patience to get the rode re attached but it will go back together.

Credits

Created By: sleepyspeed