Tailgate Handle relocated

[Panelman55]

I just cut two large holes in my nice tailgate. I hope I haven't killed it for no reason. Can anyone tell me how to relocate the handle to the inside without having to spend money. I'm on a budget and truck parts are not on it right now.

[SCOTI]

I've done it cheaply in the past but it's not 100% flush on the inside. I used an el-camino gate latch & attached it to the truck gates 'rods' inside the gate.

It was a free mod since the latch didn't cost anything but there are cons: 1) you can't slide anything wide across the inside surface of the gate when dropped; 2) everthing needs to get a tack weld because once it's together, you have to cut it open for service.

My preference is to leave it as is until you can get the removable type relocater kit.

[KQQL IT]

I did it with a stock handle. i didnt fit flush, wasnt pretty but the blazer filler made up for it.

[Panelman55]

I did it with a stock handle. i didnt fit flush, wasnt pretty but the blazer filler made up for it.


Thats about where I'm at now!!!!! I was hoping for something a little better. This economy is holding me back on spending the coin on the kit. I'm thinking about flushing it and cutting the handle bracket to make it a smoother job. If it will work, the plan is a flat/smooth tailgate with a cover that matches the truck.

[KQQL IT]

i cut the area around the handle flipped it. had i to do it again i wouldve sunk it further and flush fit the handle. and you need to flip the rods from left to right. 1st try you know

[Panelman55]

I turned the rods over so they would still fit properly into the holes. What is the reason for swopping them? Is side longer than the other? I did notice it seams to want to bind a little and be harder to open then when it was on the outside.

[KQQL IT]

They fit better

[Panelman55]

As of 11/16/2010 I now know that you can relocate the handle to the inside flush mount and looking smooth. I checked the rods that work the strikes and they are the same on either side, so no need to swap them around. I could give details and photos to anyone interested if you let me know. Now I'm off to smooth the outside of the gate. Thanks to all.



Panelman55

[SS Delux]

how did you attach the blazer / jimmy trim to the truck tailgate ? any pics ?

[nbpro]

[Panelman55]

Okay folks you want pictures well here we go! I still have a little metal work to do. If you need more detail let me know.....

Photo 1 is the tailgate after i cut out the hole.
Photo 2 shows 7" hole in the face of tailgate.
Photo 3 -5 is finished product.

I first removed the 3 screws from the handle asm.
Next I cut out the the inside portion of the TG between the ribs. Located and drilled out the spot welds.
SAVE ALL SCRAPS !!!!! I lost some somewhere.........
Next remove the handle by pulling the rods out and set aside.
Next I cut out the Trim around the handle opening in the face of the TG I left myself about 1" of metal all the way around.
Now you will need to cut the inside part 1" above and below the screw holes.
Take 3 1/4x20 bolts bolt the handle to the inside plate and install nuts on the handle side. This is so you can service it if you need to later, You will have to cut it open but that is repairable.
You will need to remove the strikers from each end and turn the rods over so they now point to the inside of the TG.
Now weld the bolt heads to the plate and remove the nuts, put the plate inside the TG lower the handle asm in connect the rods and install the nuts. Loosely is good for now.

[Panelman55]

Now for the rest ...........

Find the final location for the handle, I located mine in a such a way that it did not rub on the inside of TG. You see!!! Now mark and remove the paint and weld the backing plate in this location. Take the trim piece and BEAT IT FLAT!!!!You need to remove the curve where it can be welded in on the inside of the TG. DON'T KILL THE INNER EDGES around the handle. Trim this piece to fit between the ribs and around the handle asm, make sure to test fitting your hand into the opening and test the latch workings. It should work fine but is still loose at the bottom (we'll finish that next) Tack the trim in and turn the gate over. The lower curved piece that was removed from the outside of the gate just below the handle needs to be cleaned and welded just under the lip just under the handle. Now check the location of the lower part of the handle, if it is aligned to how you want it weld the lower edge on in the curve. NOW BEND THE LOOSE END OF THE CURVED PIECE UP TO THE BACK SIDE OF THE MOUNT PLATE AND WELD IT TOGETHER. Now take the leftover inner pieces and weld them back where you got them from. Now it should work from the inside as well as it worked form the outside.

[Panelman55]

I did not use a badge I plan to smooth the outside. I also have a mod for the taillights using the OG lights. Now I will make a cal induction hood from a junked hood.

[Panelman55]

Two more photos.

[Panelman55]

Again

[Panelman55]

This is where the top of the plate was welded on my TG. I hope that helps.


Panelman55

[knightowl73]

nice work on that

[1tonchevy]

Originally Posted by KQQL IT

I did it with a stock handle. i didnt fit flush, wasnt pretty but the blazer filler made up for it.

Whats above the pass tail light?

[KQQL IT]

A remote shut off for the relocated battery per NHRA rules
A better pic

[87 chevy silverado]

this is wat im wanting