03 Tahoe z71 dash - airbag handle

[wtx806]

Hello. First time poster here.

I have been slowly working on replacing items on an 03 z71 w/205k mileage. Recent job: I pulled out my dash last weekend to paint as I was having the paint peel on dash. When I took out the airbag handle on the dash, you have to push in those white tabs behind the vents and pull on handle at same time. check. However, when I am putting everything back after my completed job, I can't get the handle to go back in 100%. It stops at like 80-90%% and I am afraid to continue to push hard in fear of breaking something.
I have tried to push without pushing in the tabs and also have tried to push the handle in while pushing in the tabs. Still won't go. No idea what the deal is. ANY IDEAS on what to do??
Thx. Bob in TX

PS) I know, I know about the color. I am not happy what color i chose...as I will take back out and re do at later time.

 

[S33k3r]

Please take some pictures. This will likely get you better help. This is an area in which I am not familiar, so I am just suggesting photos.

 

[Fless]

I think those handles are symmetrical, so have you tried turning it over? Could it be up-side down?

 

[MassHoe04]

I think those handles are symmetrical, so have you tried turning it over? Could it be up-side down?

I haven't done that, but from the photos it does look like the angles of where the pins go in might be different.
The angle on the pin in the right side of the photo is more extreme, with the pin pointing more forward than to the side.
That angle seems to match better with the driver's side.

I agree with @Fless. Flip it over and try again.

 

[wtx806]

I think those handles are symmetrical, so have you tried turning it over? Could it be up-side down?

Ok, I have attached the different sides... any advice appreciated

 

[wtx806]

I haven't done that, but from the photos it does look like the angles of where the pins go in might be different.
The angle on the pin in the right side of the photo is more extreme, with the pin pointing more forward than to the side.
That angle seems to match better with the driver's side.

I agree with @Fless. Flip it over and try again.

Ok, I have attached 2 different ways... any advice appreciated

 

[rockola1971]

The white clips have to be squeezed while the rods are insterted with grab bar side 1 pic you have above orientation. This may take 2 people to do. You may not be able to get one side in a little and then woprk your way in back and forth from side to side. You cant let go of the squeezed clips until the grab bar is in all the way (both sides).