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door handle upgrade

fossil

By fossil
in DIY Guides & Reference Library

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fossil Enthusiast

fossil

Posted
Posted

I've upgraded the door handles and tailgate handle on my 05 Sierra Ext Cab to the ones with the chrome handle and painted bezel. Job was real easy, it took about 1hr and 20 min, taking my time.

For those of you thinking about doing it here's some detailed instructions. Previous model years may be a bit different as you may have to remove the power lock switch assy and a bolt inside the vicinity of the trim panel where that fits in place.

 

1. Tools req'd: 10 mm wrench, 10 mm 1/4" drive socket, 9/32" 1/4" drive socket. 1/4 drive socket extension. 1/4" drive ratchet, Small blade screwdriver, torx screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, push in retainer removal too or a small needle nose plier with a 45 degree bend.

 

2. Extra materials. small roll of water proof duct tape ( to re-seal plastic cover and temporarily hold handle assy in place)

 

3. Remove mirror trim panel by pulling out from the top. It justs snaps in place by two retainers.

 

4.Remove the sliding door lock by prying out with a small screwdriver. Pry at the aft portion of the door lock slider. It too just pops out.

 

5.Remove screw behind the sliding door lock with a phillips screwdriver.

 

6.Remove screw ( 9/32") beside the door arm rest

 

7.Pop out the cover plate behind the inside door handle. Pop out at aft area with a small screw driver. Again its held in place by two retainer clips.

 

8. Pop out door panel retainer clip at front of door with retainer removal tool or the needle nose pliers.

 

9. Pop off trim cap on rear door to expose the torx head screw and remove.

 

10.Pull straight up on the door trim panel to remove. The power door/lock switch assy can remain in place. No need to remove. I do suggest to remove the courtesy lamp wire at the rear door panel. Let the door trim panel hang to the side forwared out of the way.

 

11. Remove the plastic wrap around the vicinity of the door handle area and just peel it forward to expose the door area to get your arms in there.

 

12. Run some duct tape over the outside door handle to temporarily hold in place.

 

13. Remove the plastic plug aft of the door and unscrew the 10mm nut inside with socket and ratchet. carefull not to drop..Put a bit of grease on the socket to help hold the nut in place.

 

14. Reach up and remove the 2 remaining nuts with the 10mm wrench. You'll have to feel around in there a bit and use a small flashlight to help locate.

 

15. Remove the duct tape and pull the handle assy out and remove the linkage from the assy.

 

For the door with the lock assy, remove that with the unit removed by spreading the retainer clip a bit and pulling out. Re-install by pushing back into the new door handle assy. Make sure you transfer the o-ring from the old unit which sits inside the handle assy. Also take your time with your hands inside the door as there are sharp edges in there.

Reverse the procedure to assemble and re-secure the plastic wrap with waterproof duct tape.

 

16. For the tailgate handle, loosen the 3 bolts holding it in place but do not remove at this time. Pull off the bezel starting at the top portion. It's also held in place by two foam tape strips on each side. Remove the linkage arms and then remove the 3 bolts and remove the handle assy. Re-install new tailgate handle with bolts loose as before. Snap in the bezel...carefull the two top plastic clips are very fragile and easily broken. Re-tighten the bolts and you're done.

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GMCWAYNE Enthusiast

GMCWAYNE

Posted
Posted

Cool Thanks!

I'd like to do this on my '02.

Anybody know where I might find a pair of handles like these in pewter?

I've seen them on ebay for 125 plus shipping but would like to find a bit cheaper.

Sierra 05 Enthusiast

Sierra 05

Posted
Posted
Cool Thanks!

I'd like to do this on my '02.

Anybody know where I might find a pair of handles like these in pewter?

I've seen them on ebay for 125 plus shipping but would like to find a bit cheaper.

 

 

 

 

Ebay has jennings chevrolet and number 1 gm parts if you want to buy now. Also, if you`ll get the part numbers, order online from partszoneonline.com or gmpartsdirect.com heck of alot cheaper than the dealer.

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