baggedexploder
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 16, 2008
- Messages
- 116
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- City, State
- Vis. CA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 93
Ok guys, I finally took the pics and will do a How To writeup to the best of my ability. The numbers 1.2.3. and so on will corrospond with the pictures below.
Step 1: Remove the plastic panel on the Inside of the rear hatch door, and proceed to remove the window/door latch mechanism. Be carefull removing as to not break any of the clips.
Step 2:Make sure that you understand how this latch mechanism works. Take note on how the Pin on the backside of the handle strikes the latch mechanism to operate the window and door latches. Now cut the latch mechanism on the cut line shown.
Step 3: After the latch has been cut into three pieces, flip both ends, tack weld them together, then take the mechanism to the truck and make sure that all of you're mounting holes line up before final welding. You may have to slight bend or tweak the freshly tacked end to make sure the mounting holes fit flush against the door. On the bottom of the bracket you may want to add a small piece of flat steel to make the gap easier to weld.
Step 4: Once the bracket is welded and fitting properly you can temporarily mount it back in the door. Now you will need to cut a hole in the backside of the door for the handles new mounting location. Again making sure you understand how the mechanism works and where the handle pin strikes it.
Step 5: Using atleast 18 guage sheet metal, make a new mount for your handle. Make sure it is large enough to add strength back to the door after cutting your latch hole.
Step 6 Once you have the factory handle mounted in the sheetmetal mounting plate you have made it is time to install it. TAKE YOU'RE TIME here, as this step is critical in how you're new latch will function. Make sure that your handles striker pin is lined up perfectly with the striker pad for the window, and the door latch. You will want you're pin in the neutral position, meaning putting no pressure on the latch mechanism when the hendle is not being rotated.
Step 7: The window latch is operated by the newly modified mechanism via pullrod. Make sure you understand how this works as well. You will need to "modify" the rod, meaning bend and manipulate, untill it clears the modified latch and opertes the window latch smoothly. You can even close the window latch with the window open if this makes it easier, to test the mechanism. Try not to get frustrated at this part of you're mod, this step takes time. My handle flip works perfectly with no binding and theres no reason why yours shouldnt either.
Step 8: Reassemble, and enjoy the new smooth look you have been waiting for with no loss of functionality!!
If anyone has any questions I will be more than happy to help. Since this mod I have gone ahead and shved my taillights and molded the rear hatch shut, but before I did this, my flipped handle worked flawlessly.
Step 1: Remove the plastic panel on the Inside of the rear hatch door, and proceed to remove the window/door latch mechanism. Be carefull removing as to not break any of the clips.
Step 2:Make sure that you understand how this latch mechanism works. Take note on how the Pin on the backside of the handle strikes the latch mechanism to operate the window and door latches. Now cut the latch mechanism on the cut line shown.
Step 3: After the latch has been cut into three pieces, flip both ends, tack weld them together, then take the mechanism to the truck and make sure that all of you're mounting holes line up before final welding. You may have to slight bend or tweak the freshly tacked end to make sure the mounting holes fit flush against the door. On the bottom of the bracket you may want to add a small piece of flat steel to make the gap easier to weld.
Step 4: Once the bracket is welded and fitting properly you can temporarily mount it back in the door. Now you will need to cut a hole in the backside of the door for the handles new mounting location. Again making sure you understand how the mechanism works and where the handle pin strikes it.
Step 5: Using atleast 18 guage sheet metal, make a new mount for your handle. Make sure it is large enough to add strength back to the door after cutting your latch hole.
Step 6 Once you have the factory handle mounted in the sheetmetal mounting plate you have made it is time to install it. TAKE YOU'RE TIME here, as this step is critical in how you're new latch will function. Make sure that your handles striker pin is lined up perfectly with the striker pad for the window, and the door latch. You will want you're pin in the neutral position, meaning putting no pressure on the latch mechanism when the hendle is not being rotated.
Step 7: The window latch is operated by the newly modified mechanism via pullrod. Make sure you understand how this works as well. You will need to "modify" the rod, meaning bend and manipulate, untill it clears the modified latch and opertes the window latch smoothly. You can even close the window latch with the window open if this makes it easier, to test the mechanism. Try not to get frustrated at this part of you're mod, this step takes time. My handle flip works perfectly with no binding and theres no reason why yours shouldnt either.
Step 8: Reassemble, and enjoy the new smooth look you have been waiting for with no loss of functionality!!
If anyone has any questions I will be more than happy to help. Since this mod I have gone ahead and shved my taillights and molded the rear hatch shut, but before I did this, my flipped handle worked flawlessly.
