Tailgate Handle On 76 C20

I posted this in the "How to" section and was hoping to find more folks with more experience on old tailgate handles.

Ok, I got it figured out. I placed the tailgate on a table upside down and with the aid of a flashlight could see that the handle engages a swivel plate that swivels when you pull the handle. The two rods are attached to that and pull toward the center of the tailgate when the swivel plate turns. Unfortunately the center rivet on the swivel plate has worn or bent to an extent that the handle pulls past the engagement point and slides on the swivel plate instead of engaging it.

In other words, the swivel plate wobbles too much. The ideal solution would be to remove the handle and pound the rivet so it doesn't wobble any more but I can't seem to figure out how to disengage the rods from the swivel plate without some major tailgate surgery.

My solution is to drill a hole in the tailgate and put a machine screw near where the handle engages the swivel plate and tighten it just enough to rub the swivel plate to keep the handle from jumping out of the engagement point.

Any other better solutions?

kind regards,

John

I'd plan on replacing with a new handle. $17 plus shipping for black and you paint it or $27 in chrome.

Service manual shows:

1. Remove screws attaching handle assembly to tailgate

2. Remove clips from handle assembly and remove handle. (The clips are what hold the rods to the handle)

3. Remove screws from each latch assembly and lift off, with actuating rods

For reference:

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cc/full.aspx?page=30

You just need to perform steps 1 & 2. Once the handle is loose, you should be able to move it in to a position to be able to pop the rods out. Seems like 12 and 6 o'clock position allows you access to the rod ends/clips. When I replaced my handle 20 years ago the rods had already broken free from the handle. I know it's not as easy as the manual makes it sound. Look at the link below, it gives you a basic idea of how things go together. LMC.com is one place to order from, Rockauto.com is another place.

Order a new handle and clips and you should be fixed up.

I'd plan on replacing with a new handle. $17 plus shipping for black and you paint it or $27 in chrome.

 

 

Service manual shows:

 

1. Remove screws attaching handle assembly to tailgate

2. Remove clips from handle assembly and remove handle. (The clips are what hold the rods to the handle)

3. Remove screws from each latch assembly and lift off, with actuating rods

 

For reference:

 

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cc/full.aspx?page=30

 

You just need to perform steps 1 & 2. Once the handle is loose, you should be able to move it in to a position to be able to pop the rods out. Seems like 12 and 6 o'clock position allows you access to the rod ends/clips. When I replaced my handle 20 years ago the rods had already broken free from the handle. I know it's not as easy as the manual makes it sound. Look at the link below, it gives you a basic idea of how things go together. LMC.com is one place to order from, Rockauto.com is another place.

 

Order a new handle and clips and you should be fixed up.

Thanks for the link and the description. You are a great reference. If I can get the handle out of there I'll replace it.

Kind regards,

John

Here's a pic of the replacement handle if it helps.