Trouble with aftermarket tailgate or handle.

['68 Newtricks]

Hey folks, just hoping for a little help or a sharp eye.

I am running a full aftermarket bed from Classic Industries. (a mix of OER and TriPlus) Today I tried installing the tailgate handle inside the gate. It goes in but doesn't function. When I pull up on the handle, it hits the sheet metal right away. Two things could be wrong.

1) Handle is made wrong. The ratio (or pull arch) is off. It needs to swing out farther before going up.

2) Holes in tailgate for the handle are not down far enough. I think this might be it, but not sure. If the handle was ~3/4" lower, I think the arm of the handle will miss the sheet metal.

I've only got a picture of the holes right now Do they look right? See the one dimple that bleeds into the sheet metal bend? If that was a full dimple, it just might work. Dunno, really bums me out.

[merlin3]

i tried to install a Triplus tailgate,handle and hardware from LMC on my 72,could not get the handle to work just like you described ,could not get the gate to line up either very poor quality.

[FlameOut]

Not what I wanted to hear. I bought my tailgate and hardware from LMC. I'm not even close to being ready to install it. Nice to know I'm in for more headaches

[Kennuck]

Mine is from Woodall handle works fine. Here is a pic of the handle hole location. Hope it helps.

[bbcmudtruck]

I bought all of my hardware as well as handle from LMC and it works just fine. The tailgate came from brothers.

['68 Newtricks]

Can I get a picture of the handle installed? Just wondering what it should look like inside the gate. Thanks!

[Lanman1972]

I have just run into the same problem with my tailgate. Did moving the holes down work? My parts are from GMCPauls. Thanks

['68 Newtricks]

Haven't been able to fix this. Moving the holes is not possible because they are raised inside.

ClassicIndustries has been notified about the problem, they tested another handle and gate they had and confirmed the problem. But even after 2-3 calls they still don't have an answer for me, as to which is causing the issue. So my crap is still crap and I'm on the hunt for a factory gate.

[Lanman1972]

Not what I wanted to hear. I have mine painted (Should have assembled first). I will let you know if a solution is found. I'll be calling GMCPauls on Monday. Thanks.

[88fordf150]

Just a thought, can you put shims behind the handle to bring it out a little further?

[john@thepier]

The aftermarket handles are junk, find a oem and install it. That is what I had to do, my aftermarket was from GMC Pauls and he confirmed they were all junk.

[merlin3]

88fordf150 i could not shim the handle because then it would hit the inside of outer skin of gate.my handle was also crooked after mounting and if i tried to use it the handle would spread apart and not pull the rods to the latches.i have never seen such junk,very disgusted.

[Ohio mike]

I had the same problem and thought it was the tailgate. I bolted my old factory handle in and solved problem. The aftermarket handle hinges in wrong spot. JUNK.

[Lanman1972]

I have my original handle and will try it tomorrow. Frustrating when you buy parts from One place and they don't fit, especially from recommended suppliers.

['68 Newtricks]

There isn't a weekend that goes by without regretting selling my tailgate with my longbed. It wasn't straight or pretty, but it worked dammit. Now I'm left with nothing

[Lanman1972]

Took my rusty crusty handle with me today and put it on the new tailgate, works perfect. Buyer beware with all the aftermarket stuff. Just seems that the recommended vendors on this site would know they are selling junk, and maybe they do. When you buy a complete package it should fit and function.