Tailgate Handle Trim Broke

tyhuck · August 25, 2011

The other day, my tailgate stopped opening because one of the plastic keepers on the rod that pulls the catch open came off. So, while I was trying to get in there, I broke the clips that hold the trim piece that surrounds the release handle. So, I know this is a common problem because I see hundreds of trucks like mine on the road without any trim around the tailgate handle. But, I want my trim back on, without having to buy another piece. Any suggestions?

Stevens03 · August 25, 2011

The trim piece is about $5 from the dealer. When I had my 03, I bought one straight from the dealer so I could color match it.

tyhuck · August 26, 2011

Oh! Well, I am completely shocked. I figured these would be at least a $35+ part.

Grumpy Tooch · August 28, 2011

It's more than that from the dealer. I got one from Autozone for bout $7 and it fits great and stays on.

blacksierra01 · August 28, 2011

I got a replacement from NAPA , for like $12. it doesnt have the same finish as the oem piece, and it only lasted about 6 months, then fell off on the highway I assume. At work, we just glue the oem pieces back on. But I dont thing I would glue my own on. But yeah, OEM is the way to go, with any body parts IMO

firefighteremt3100 · April 14, 2012

I've had mine break twice now. Very frustrating. I know when I checked on the price last time, the dealer wanted like 40 bucks. Which I find ridiculous. So, I went the cheap route and bought one online. Well that one didn't last either. Anyone come up with something else to keep this trim in place? (I also had the little lever tabs break, so I replaced them both. I think those were like 7 or 8 bucks a piece too. Damn plastic crap.

tyhuck · April 14, 2012

I drilled an 1/8" hole on either side of the handle and put a black screw with a small head through it. Ill try to post up a picture later.

sw6416 · April 15, 2012

The trim piece is about $5 from the dealer. When I had my 03, I bought one straight from the dealer so I could color match it.

I call BS ......... GM makes nothing that cost $5 dollars LMAO

I have a friend who is a service manager and we had a discussion the other night about what it would cost to build a truck from dealer list parts .......I would like to see a quarter million dollar stock truck!