Another problem tailgate handle removal - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

teeitup · 08-03-2011, 11:15 PM

How is the best way to get the 3 screws on back of tailgate for tailgate handle out, man they are tight. It has a chrome handle in it and I'm wanting to save it. Any help is appreciated, I soaked the 3 bolts with PB Blaster tonight with the gate down hoping it would penetrate some. Thanks Randy

72supermike · 08-03-2011, 11:41 PM

I had this problem once. The big screw driver wouldn't cut it. And tnot enough head to get a solid bite with vise grips. Sooo, do you have a welder? what I did is took a nut, and placed it over the head of the screw, and welded the nut to the head of the screw. You want a big enough nut that you can fill the inside up at the bottom where it touches the head of the screw. a small nut won't give you enough room to work with the welder and you end up just welding on the nut, and not really getting a solid bond to the screw. Then get out a wrench or sockets. Just the heating up and cooling of the screw will often times help break the bond. you might just heat it really hot and then cool it off and then try the screw driver before you get to welding. Good Luck!

AirSpeed · 08-04-2011, 01:24 AM

I had to do the same thing supermike did, it works great. If you have no welder you can use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws diameter and drill out the screws, you can the pop the head of with a cold chisel. You can also use a grinder to cut the head of the screws of, once you get them all cut off you should be able to use visegrips to grab the screw and turn them out.
Posted via Mobile Device

VA72C10 · 08-04-2011, 01:30 AM

I used pb blaster then used the largest screwdriver and hit it with a rubber mallet a few times....then continued to tap it while turning....still didn't work....then I put vice grips on the screwdriver and pushed down on the screwdriver while I turned with the vice grips and they all came right out once I broke the initial rust seal on them...

**Dieselwrencher** · 08-04-2011, 01:45 AM

Have any of you ever used impact drivers? They are a device that you attach a socket with a hard bit of your choice. You strike the impact driver with a hammer and it multiplies the torque and helps shock the screw/bolt and walk it out similar to an impact wrench. I like the welding approach for these too. Good tip for sure 72SuperMike!

Here's an example of an impact driver/
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....1&group_ID=223

Vintage Windmills · 08-04-2011, 09:51 AM

Those impact drivers are pretty handy.

PB blaster isn't as effective as ATF/acetone mix, Kroil, or even liquid wrench. There was a link to a experiment on them somewhere where they measured ease of fastener removal.

**Stocker** · 08-04-2011, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VA72C10

I put vice grips on the screwdriver and pushed down on the screwdriver while I turned with the vice grips and they all came right out once I broke the initial rust seal on them...

An impact driver does the same thing, but with more force and -- in my experience -- more effectiveness.

The few times I have needed to use it, my cheap Harbor Freight impact driver has worked very well. Looks something like this:

JORGIE95961 · 08-04-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VA72C10

I used pb blaster then used the largest screwdriver and hit it with a rubber mallet a few times....then continued to tap it while turning....still didn't work....then I put vice grips on the screwdriver and pushed down on the screwdriver while I turned with the vice grips and they all came right out once I broke the initial rust seal on them...

X2 i do this quite often

longhorn70gmc · 08-04-2011, 01:34 PM

When I have this issue, I get a sockit that will take the Philliups head and the breaker bar and as I turn it put all my weight into it and it seems to get more grab and torque when using the set up in this manner.
If you drill, I would utilize a small bit first and drill all the way through then utilize a larger bit to get the rest of it. This will also give you better control. I would not use a drill bit larger then the crew or hole.
Hope this helps my brother, GOOD LUCK.
R/

teeitup · 08-04-2011, 03:50 PM

Thanks for the help guys, I'm going to try the impact Fri, I found a buddy that has one. Thanks again, Randy

GDUB68 · 08-04-2011, 06:36 PM

I agree an impact driver and heat.

08-03-2011, 11:15 PM	#1
teeitup Just like to part out trucks!! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Meriden, Ks-North of Topeka 10 miles Posts: 27,396	Another problem tailgate handle removal How is the best way to get the 3 screws on back of tailgate for tailgate handle out, man they are tight. It has a chrome handle in it and I'm wanting to save it. Any help is appreciated, I soaked the 3 bolts with PB Blaster tonight with the gate down hoping it would penetrate some. Thanks Randy __________________ 67 Chev swb stepside 4x4 283 4 speed SOLD 72 blazer 4x4 4 speed Cheyenne 72 GMC swb 4x4 fleet 4 speed, original paint 1958 Cameo (one of 1405 built, it was my dads) 2020 chevy Apex 4x4 crew cab 1969 Z28 with the 302 1980 chevy swb 4x4 1964 chevell Malibu SS 1976 K20, sold new originally out of my dads chevy dealership Members that I've met, over 200 probably closer to 300 in the 12 years I've been on this site, everyone I met "It was a pleasure"

08-03-2011, 11:41 PM	#2
72supermike Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Harrison, Idaho Posts: 214	Re: Another problem tailgate handle removal I had this problem once. The big screw driver wouldn't cut it. And tnot enough head to get a solid bite with vise grips. Sooo, do you have a welder? what I did is took a nut, and placed it over the head of the screw, and welded the nut to the head of the screw. You want a big enough nut that you can fill the inside up at the bottom where it touches the head of the screw. a small nut won't give you enough room to work with the welder and you end up just welding on the nut, and not really getting a solid bond to the screw. Then get out a wrench or sockets. Just the heating up and cooling of the screw will often times help break the bond. you might just heat it really hot and then cool it off and then try the screw driver before you get to welding. Good Luck!

08-04-2011, 01:24 AM	#3
AirSpeed Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fall River California Posts: 2,026	Re: Another problem tailgate handle removal I had to do the same thing supermike did, it works great. If you have no welder you can use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws diameter and drill out the screws, you can the pop the head of with a cold chisel. You can also use a grinder to cut the head of the screws of, once you get them all cut off you should be able to use visegrips to grab the screw and turn them out. Posted via Mobile Device

08-04-2011, 01:30 AM	#4
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: Another problem tailgate handle removal I used pb blaster then used the largest screwdriver and hit it with a rubber mallet a few times....then continued to tap it while turning....still didn't work....then I put vice grips on the screwdriver and pushed down on the screwdriver while I turned with the vice grips and they all came right out once I broke the initial rust seal on them... __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

08-04-2011, 01:45 AM	#5
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,140	Re: Another problem tailgate handle removal Have any of you ever used impact drivers? They are a device that you attach a socket with a hard bit of your choice. You strike the impact driver with a hammer and it multiplies the torque and helps shock the screw/bolt and walk it out similar to an impact wrench. I like the welding approach for these too. Good tip for sure 72SuperMike! Here's an example of an impact driver/ http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....1&group_ID=223 __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

08-04-2011, 09:51 AM	#6
Vintage Windmills Vintage 4x4s Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Prior Lake, MN Posts: 4,305	Re: Another problem tailgate handle removal Those impact drivers are pretty handy. PB blaster isn't as effective as ATF/acetone mix, Kroil, or even liquid wrench. There was a link to a experiment on them somewhere where they measured ease of fastener removal. __________________ 67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6

08-04-2011, 01:34 PM	#9
longhorn70gmc Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Ridgecrest. CA, USA Posts: 1,715	Re: Another problem tailgate handle removal When I have this issue, I get a sockit that will take the Philliups head and the breaker bar and as I turn it put all my weight into it and it seems to get more grab and torque when using the set up in this manner. If you drill, I would utilize a small bit first and drill all the way through then utilize a larger bit to get the rest of it. This will also give you better control. I would not use a drill bit larger then the crew or hole. Hope this helps my brother, GOOD LUCK. R/ __________________ Billy 1970 GMC Sierra Grande 402/TH400 (Longhorn)14 years and counting rebuild! 1975 (Build) Chevrolet SWB 4X4 350 SB Lifted 6 inches 1970 Ford F250 Ranger 390 BB 2010 Ford Super Duty F250 XLT W/4 inch lift kit and Pro Comp Tires Hub Cap Freak! *I need another truck like I need another hole in the head!* I'M IN THE MARKET...AS IT WERE!

08-04-2011, 03:50 PM	#10
teeitup Just like to part out trucks!! Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Meriden, Ks-North of Topeka 10 miles Posts: 27,396	Re: Another problem tailgate handle removal Thanks for the help guys, I'm going to try the impact Fri, I found a buddy that has one. Thanks again, Randy __________________ 67 Chev swb stepside 4x4 283 4 speed SOLD 72 blazer 4x4 4 speed Cheyenne 72 GMC swb 4x4 fleet 4 speed, original paint 1958 Cameo (one of 1405 built, it was my dads) 2020 chevy Apex 4x4 crew cab 1969 Z28 with the 302 1980 chevy swb 4x4 1964 chevell Malibu SS 1976 K20, sold new originally out of my dads chevy dealership Members that I've met, over 200 probably closer to 300 in the 12 years I've been on this site, everyone I met "It was a pleasure"

08-04-2011, 06:36 PM	#11
GDUB68 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Parkland,Florida Posts: 50	Re: Another problem tailgate handle removal I agree an impact driver and heat. __________________ 68 short stepside 68 camaro conv 30 model a coupe highboy 05 dodge magnum R/T 55 shoebox

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