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Broken Tailgate Handle Repair


Stewart's SS

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Hello, I am about to fix my tailgate handle. The problem occurred when my tailgate wouldn't close anymore. There are two rods attached to the handle, one for the left and one for the right. The rods are connected to the handle by plastic clips which is usually the root of the problem for tailgate issues. The rods then are attached to hooks that keep your tailgate latched to your bed. Both of my clips are broken so I cannot close my tailgate. When ordering a new handle, they come with new clips. I am sure there is somewhere you can get just the plastic clips which would be much cheaper. I will post pictures of the process which is very simple. I found that one way to avoid this problem is to pull the handle when closing the tailgate instead of just pushing it up. When closing the tailgate like most guys do by throwing it upwards or just shutting it, it jerks the plastic clips in a quick motion which can lead to damage or breakage of the clips. Chances are some of you may have one broken clip and your tailgate is only being held on by one side. It is worth taking the handle off to see what shape your tailgate is in. It wouldn't be a great situation having it fly open when your blasting down to highway in your SSS.

 

Has anyone had this same issue? Any Advice?

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I actually think you can buy just the clips.....

Yep, the only bad thing on swapping them is that you almost always break the tabs on the handle bezel. I can see the handle itself breaking though from normal use.

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  • 4 weeks later...
  • 1 month later...

I am on my third time of this happening to me. I'll give your solution a try to hold the handle up when closing. But the plastic on both the rod clips and bezel seem deteriorate over time. Only once was I able to get the bezel off without breaking the top bezel clips. The rod clips are cheap to buy online and also the bezel. would be great if there was a permanent fix.

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