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99-06 Chevy Truck Tailgate problems?

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Everybody has heard the phrase "If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy" right? Well, there are not too many women that work here, but us guys try to take care of the ones that do, so when I heard that Beth in our accounting department was having trouble with the tailgate latch on her 2002 Chevy crew cab truck, I had to see if we could come to the rescue for her. Since I am the head of the research and development department I also wanted to make sure that we are stocking the correct parts to fix her Chevy truck tailgate latch since it is a common problem for either the latch to break or one of the plastic retaining clips to break. This causes the rod to no longer attach. Either way I knew that we were up to the challenge.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Here was what the typical Texas Chevy truck tailgate latch and bezel look like. They are ususally broken from the heat and abuse that trucks tend to take.

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As you can see when the tailgate bezel is removed, the brittle tabs break from being in the weather and, oops, it's time for a new bezel!

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Upon further inspection the guide clip for the tailgate rod was broken and not the latch itself making this an easy an economical fix.

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Here you can see parts of the old one and a new one ready to be installed. These replacement clips can come in a variety of colors from yellow to green to red to white. It just depends on the manufacturer, but they all serve the same purpose which is to hold the rod securely to the latch.

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Here is a pic of the clip on the latch, snaps right in!

 

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I added a little WD-40 and slid the tailgate rod into the clip with no problems...

 

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...and then swung the latch up over the tailgate rod for a secure fit.

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Notice the back of the new Chevy truck tailgate latch bezel. It has all of the tabs for a factory fit! 

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The 99-07 Chevy truck tailgate bezel attaches by lifting the tailgate handle through the hole of the bezel, putting the lower part of the bezel in first and then snapping the two taps in at the top.

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A job well done and and a happy woman. If only all of them were this easy to please! 

 

Parts used for this installation:
CTP-21818TA  1999-07 Chevy Truck Tailgate Handle Bezel
GM-15545178  1992-07 Chevy Truck Tailgate Rod Clips

I didn't need a new latch this time but if you do the part number is:
CTP-21818U 1999-07 Chevy Truck Tailgate Latch

This concludes the installation but remember Latemodel Restoration Supply for all of your Chevy truck parts as well as your Ford Lightning Truck parts and Dodge truck parts. If you don't see it what you need on our website, give us a call or shoot us an email (info@latemodelrestoration.com). We can probably get it for you!

Published Jul 24 2009, 03:21 PM by btaylor
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Comments

 

nate said:

Nice post Brad, very informative!

July 27, 2009 8:38 AM
 

n8 said:

Same exact thing happened to me on the exact side.  

2000 Silverado Ext Cab

Broke the exterior handle cover too....lol

One word - Autozone - I spent $11.50 and got it fixed without getting robbed at the stealership.  They sell both the handle cover trim and the clips (box of like 8 clips).

August 18, 2009 4:06 PM
 

Beth Walden said:

Thanks Brad. That's the nice thing about working with all you guys. You took good care of my truck for me. It seemed like it took less than 5 minutes for Brad to fix the clip and put the new bezel on.  Latemodel Restoration is the best place to buy your auto parts.

August 19, 2009 3:52 PM
 

aaron willis said:

i was dissapointed when her latch wasnt broke, i was hoping to see that get fixed when i started reading this, cause my latch and clip are broke and it looks like the clip is the easy part, o well       still helpful instuctions.        maybe ill get lucky and her latch will break soon.   just kidding

August 19, 2009 8:36 PM
 

catmd said:

Thanks!  I think my clip is broken, now I can fix it and unhook the gooseneck trailer!!

September 2, 2009 2:33 AM
 

ironoutrigger said:

Diddo! That photo  showing the right clip busted? Yup! That exact photo could have been taken with my truck. Thank you so much for this info.

October 1, 2009 4:13 PM
 

Rick's broke truck said:

Well this is exactly what happened to my truck's tailgate.  The only difference is gate is in the closed position and the rod has fallen inside the tailgate.  Looks like I will be going fishing for the rod and if I can get it, this will be an easy fix.   Oh waite nothing is that easey.... good luck to all......

October 16, 2009 12:41 PM
 

Susieqa said:

Thanks so much, now I can get my husband to fix his truck (he couldn't find the parts, but you were wonderful in including the part numbers!)

March 6, 2010 5:40 PM
 

Rory said:

Great post... I was searching for that exact part for a while until I came across your blog.  The hyperlink took me right to it... thanks again.

March 14, 2010 12:41 PM
 

Tom said:

Thanks!  This was everything I needed to fix my tailgate.  While I was at it, I figured I might as well replace both clips.  Careful with that pack of clips from Autozone, there are a few of them that look similar, but only one of them fit the rod.

April 5, 2010 6:14 PM

About btaylor

Been around cars and the car culture my whole life. Built up a 1957 Chevy truck for my first vehicle when I was 14, with a straight 6, split mainfold and 3 one barrel carbs. (It sounded like an angry Cessna!). I have owned a 1997 Camaro, a few trucks, fixed up a wrecked 1995 Mustang convertible and currently drive a 1997 Supercharged Regal GS and the wife drives a 2007 Suburban LTZ. I have a 11 year old girl and an 8 year old girl and a 2 year old girl! I love to play Little Big Planet, Madden football and Singstar on my PS3, golf and just about all sports. Go Mavs, Stars, Rangers and Cowboys!!!