Tailgate Trouble

1967hammer · November 17, 2007

Can anyone tell me how to install the bezel around the tailgate handle (without snapping off the plastic clips on top)? I broke the original bezel trying to see why the tailgate would not open. A small plastic clip had broken and the rod became disengaged. When I tried to put the new bezel in, the clips snapped when I pushed the bezel into place. I was pushing gently because it looked pretty fragile. When I purchased the clip and the new bezel, I asked the dealer if I could speak to a mechanic (to see if there was a specific sequence for the install) but they said no. Any help would be appreciated.

hubbycap · November 17, 2007

Can anyone tell me how to install the bezel around the tailgate handle (without snapping off the plastic clips on top)? I broke the original bezel trying to see why the tailgate would not open. A small plastic clip had broken and the rod became disengaged. When I tried to put the new bezel in, the clips snapped when I pushed the bezel into place. I was pushing gently because it looked pretty fragile. When I purchased the clip and the new bezel, I asked the dealer if I could speak to a mechanic (to see if there was a specific sequence for the install) but they said no. Any help would be appreciated.

What dickheads. Wish I new more, but haven't needed to disassemble my tailgate yet.

1967hammer · November 17, 2007

Can anyone tell me how to install the bezel around the tailgate handle (without snapping off the plastic clips on top)? I broke the original bezel trying to see why the tailgate would not open. A small plastic clip had broken and the rod became disengaged. When I tried to put the new bezel in, the clips snapped when I pushed the bezel into place. I was pushing gently because it looked pretty fragile. When I purchased the clip and the new bezel, I asked the dealer if I could speak to a mechanic (to see if there was a specific sequence for the install) but they said no. Any help would be appreciated.

What dickheads. Wish I new more, but haven't needed to disassemble my tailgate yet.

I agree. They were happy to sell me the truck, the extended warranty (that does not cover this particular problem...big surprise haha) and the repalcement parts but they won't let me talk to a mechanic. It's not like I am going to take up lots of time...this is not a "how do I fix the transmission" type of question.

sno · November 17, 2007

Doubtful that a "mechanic" would know the answer. You need to find a body shop and ask them for guidance.

1967hammer · November 17, 2007

Sno, you are undoubtedly correct. I assume that I used the wrong term when I said "mechanic". Since the GMC dealership is being rather closed mouthed, I will probably never learn the correct title for the person that works on trim pieces. They probably have a "trim technician" or some such thing. Anyway, I just thought that since they are a GMC dealership and their shop works on GMC products all of the time they might be able to throw me a bone and say "make sure you insert the bottom edge first" or what ever the trick is. (BTW I forgot to mention in my first post that I have an 02 Sierra)

If nobody here can offer any tips, my next stop will be the generic body shop. Either way, this is not an earth shattering problem. I guess I can just keep trying different methods until I get it done. The bezels are only $22.

1967hammer · November 17, 2007

Update... this morning, I went outside to re-examine the problem. The clips on the bezel that I purchased yesterday appeared to have been super glued back on. This was much easier to see in the sunlight. I returned to the dealer and showed the clerk at the parts counter. He brought out another "new" bezel and guess what? Not only wasn't it pre-broken and glued back together, but it came with directions in the box.

Looks like someone else had f***ed up the last one, glued it back together and returned it. When I tried to install it, the clips just fell off. I walked out to the truck and popped the new bezel on with no problem.

Darkanion · November 17, 2007

Update... this morning, I went outside to re-examine the problem. The clips on the bezel that I purchased yesterday appeared to have been super glued back on. This was much easier to see in the sunlight. I returned to the dealer and showed the clerk at the parts counter. He brought out another "new" bezel and guess what? Not only wasn't it pre-broken and glued back together, but it came with directions in the box.

Looks like someone else had f***ed up the last one, glued it back together and returned it. When I tried to install it, the clips just fell off. I walked out to the truck and popped the new bezel on with no problem.

Congrats! Glad to hear it.

sno · November 18, 2007

Glad you were able to get a good part and the instructions to boot!

Around here, all of the body shops are in a separate building from the parts departments. I wouldn't even bother asking the parts monkey for help. I'd just cruise over to the body shop and ask them... that's what I was trying to say for you to do, but it didn't come out so well. Worked out ok for you anyway.

unit731 · November 18, 2007

Glad you were able to get a good part and the instructions to boot!

Around here, all of the body shops are in a separate building from the parts departments. I wouldn't even bother asking the parts monkey for help. I'd just cruise over to the body shop and ask them... that's what I was trying to say for you to do, but it didn't come out so well. Worked out ok for you anyway.

Same here. Body shop is different building. I went to them and they appeared happy to speak to a real cusomer for just a simple verbal explanation. I had no clue how to take something off/apart awhile back. It turned out to be two simple screws. Problem solved.