CHOO CHOO
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Tools:
10mm deep socket
10mm wrench
Locking pliers
Torq 30 bit/Allen wrench
Plastic prybar tool
I'm gonna go back and edit this in more detail tonight, just don't have time now and want to get this in before I forget. I'll try to get the pics in order later so it makes a little more sense.
So first start by using the plastic prybar and prying the top trim back, be careful as it can break if you pull to hard. Next start by pulling the plastic back over the locking mechanism for the glass. A firm pull should be fine.
Then slowly work your way around the sides until you get to the bottom. Take your torq bit or Allen wrench and unscrew the hanging pull handle and fixed pull handle. Firmly pull on them and they should pop right out.
Finish pulling on the plastic around the bottom and it should all come off. (Near the middle on the very bottom, pull outward instead of down as the metal tabs are angled different)
Next you will need to look for the holes that have the screws that lock into the plastic tabs on the applique. One of the screws is located behind the rear wiper motor and is a pita to get to. You can either remove it or use a 10mm wrench and pliers and unscrew them that way. There is also the two plastic pushtabs that are on the side as well.
Push the tabs out after you have unscrewed the nuts from the bolts.
Unplug your wiring and the applique should come off or out easily after that. If possible, have someone help so you don't damage it or scratch any other part of the tailgate.
Take the new applique and put the wiring back through the hole and feed it through it's previous placement. All you need to do is locate the holes and match them up with the plastic pushpins on the top and the metal screws in the middle and give it a push. The pushpins should hold it snug while you grab the nuts and put them back on the screws. Plug in you wiring and push pushpins back in place to hold it.
Check your plastic panel to make sure all of the pushpins are in place and reassemble in whatever way you want. I started at the bottom and worked my way up. It was a little annoying to find the pushpins holes and be careful to not break them off (i did on one of them). After that, put your bottom handle and middle grab handle back in. Then push the top trim back in place and you should be finished.
10mm deep socket
10mm wrench
Locking pliers
Torq 30 bit/Allen wrench
Plastic prybar tool
I'm gonna go back and edit this in more detail tonight, just don't have time now and want to get this in before I forget. I'll try to get the pics in order later so it makes a little more sense.
So first start by using the plastic prybar and prying the top trim back, be careful as it can break if you pull to hard. Next start by pulling the plastic back over the locking mechanism for the glass. A firm pull should be fine.
Then slowly work your way around the sides until you get to the bottom. Take your torq bit or Allen wrench and unscrew the hanging pull handle and fixed pull handle. Firmly pull on them and they should pop right out.
Finish pulling on the plastic around the bottom and it should all come off. (Near the middle on the very bottom, pull outward instead of down as the metal tabs are angled different)
Next you will need to look for the holes that have the screws that lock into the plastic tabs on the applique. One of the screws is located behind the rear wiper motor and is a pita to get to. You can either remove it or use a 10mm wrench and pliers and unscrew them that way. There is also the two plastic pushtabs that are on the side as well.
Push the tabs out after you have unscrewed the nuts from the bolts.
Unplug your wiring and the applique should come off or out easily after that. If possible, have someone help so you don't damage it or scratch any other part of the tailgate.
Take the new applique and put the wiring back through the hole and feed it through it's previous placement. All you need to do is locate the holes and match them up with the plastic pushpins on the top and the metal screws in the middle and give it a push. The pushpins should hold it snug while you grab the nuts and put them back on the screws. Plug in you wiring and push pushpins back in place to hold it.
Check your plastic panel to make sure all of the pushpins are in place and reassemble in whatever way you want. I started at the bottom and worked my way up. It was a little annoying to find the pushpins holes and be careful to not break them off (i did on one of them). After that, put your bottom handle and middle grab handle back in. Then push the top trim back in place and you should be finished.
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