I just finished painting my tailgate handle and wondered if any one would like me to write up a little how-to article. I took pictures along the way, so if there is moderate interest in this fairly easy mod, let me know and I'll post step-by-step directions.

Jason

 

I'd like to see the how-to along with paint type, etc.

 

Yes definitely post them. For every person that responds there are always more that just lurk and read the posts. I would be interested in type of paint and surface prep.

 

I'd be interested as well.

 

Sounds like a good idea, If you do post it, I would appreciate it!!!

 

thats a really good idea, would like to see how it's done (before i tried it myself).
thanks connor

 

I've been thinking of doing this myself,post em up,skicrave,,,,,98

 

I painted mine a couple of years ago. I made a template to cover the area around the handle and used a spray can of the same color as the truck. Wal-Mart had the exact match. I did not go the the clear and a deep shine like the rest of the truck because the handle was not very smooth to start.

 

Sorry it took me so long guys, I had it all typed up last night, but apparently there is a limit to how many pics you can include in a post. I tried to go back to edit, but I lost it all.
So I typed it up tonight, and here are the goods. This is a really easy project, and it improves the looks immensly. If you have any questions, let me know. Here is a teaser to get you thinking about it.



Jason

 

Great job, excellent instructions. Thanks I am off to the local NAPA.

 

Now that looks nice, great job. You'd think they would have done that as the door handles are painted. The only other one I'd consider doing would be that big ugly thing around the back window. I don't understand why they put so much of that plastic on our trucks: bumper covers, window surrounds, tail gate latches, rear fender guards, all around the mirrors and windows. Just looks cheap I think but what are you going to do. At least it doesn't look like the Avalanch, now that's a bunch of plastic.

 

Excellent instructions! I can tell you've painted before. I have a little trouble because of the spray in liner,have to leave it on the tailgate I'll try it when I get home from San Antonio this weekend. Thanks again for the excellent instructions,,,,,98

 

No problem guys, I enjoyed doing it. Just kind of a pain when I lost it the first time after spending a couple hours using this weird vB code to format the links. If you're going to leave it on the tailgate then most of your time will be spent in prep. Use good tape, not the cheap stuff, and take your time to do it right from the beginning. Also, lay down a lot of tape around the handle so you do not have to worry about sanding through it and hitting the paint. I am considering taking on some bigger pieces, but I have not got the nerve up to. The nice thing about the handle as a starter is that it doesn't get seen that much, it is easy to take out to work on (in more cases) and it's relatively small, so you don't have to worry about paint lines, and any mistakes you might make don't really show up. Also, if you had to fix a mistake you could just start over. That would be much harder with the rear window surround. I thought of something else also. Periodically during painting flip the spray can up side down and spray for 5 seconds or so. That will keep paint from accumulating at the nozzle and you won't get any big blobs shot onto your piece.

Jason

 

way to go. i now have a new cheap mod to do. i better get going, or ill never finish my list of summer mods. i dont think i cant screw that up with the instructions

 

Well done and those are a great set of instuctions .I think you won't have any trouble with the bigger parts. I finally painted my lower valance a couple of weekends ago.It turned oiut pretty good. Looks like I will be doing some more painting( I still have one can of paint left,need to buy primer and clearcoat).

One more thing,anyone know how hard it is to remove the grey plastic rear window surround?I am considering painting this as well.