The $free (well realy cheap) tailgate handle relocation

okay I was going to do this earlier when I did it but lost some in progress pics but nothing to important.


STEP 1: Remove rear panel on tailgate and removed handle


STEP 2: To start off you need to cut out the section in the skin of your tailgate that houses the handle using a die grinder with cut off wheel

STEP 3: you need a piece of sheet metal trace the outline of the piece you just cut on to the sheetmetal and cut it out for a filler.


STEP 4: flip the tailgate over and cut out the section that was behind were the handle mounted
before



STEP 5: Take the piece the handle mounts up to and align it to the top of the center indent on the removable panel and mark it for cutting.



STEP 6: Remove latch assemblies and flip the rods 180 degrees from what they were and reinstall


STEP 7: Weld in front filler plate and handle bucket to removable panel taking your time spot welding so you don't warp it


STEP 8: You will need to make a piece of metal to fill the hole on the bottom of the handle bucket your choice on how you want it



STEP 9: Grind it down taking your time so it doesn't warp and make sure it is completely welded


STEP 10: Apply body filler if needed and block sand so it is straight and you can be proud of your work

STEP 11: After paint reassemble the rear panel with the handle attached to the panel, it will take some patience to get the rode re attached but it will go back together.