Tailgate step handle (aka Stripper Pole) removed...
04-12-2011, 08:29 PM
#1
Tailgate step handle (aka Stripper Pole) removed...
With a little guidance from here and tasca I removed the tailgate pole and replaced it with a stock non-step access panel prior to getting a spray in bedliner done...
Since I didn't have a torque bit large enough I used a 5 mm allen wrench to remove pole.
I then used a t-25 bit to remove the screws holding on the plastic liner.
Next to remove the base plate I used a wire brush and my drill to remove the paint that was acting like loc-tite on the bolts. After removing the paint I was able to remove them pretty easily with a allen wrench and a few taps of a hammer.
Using a dremel with a cut off wheel to cut off these two tabs.
Using access panel from tasca. 9L3Z-9943121-A It was easy to place and bolt on. I ordered 8 bolts part #(8) W710734-S439 but didn't like them and bought 13-6mm x10mm phillips head bolts from home depot for .38 cents a piece. Versus a dollar piece from tasca. If I was out and for some reason needed to remove panel I figured it would be easier to find a phillips vs a torque bit.
The access panel uses 8 bolts, but bought 5 more to fill the remaining hole from the original liner.
Final step before getting a spray in bedliner is to take your daughter to Ritters for a cold treat country style
All in all It was just under 80 bucks and 30min to do this. With how the panel was packaged from tasca I did have to hammer out and straighten every corner from the sheet metal getting damaged in transit. Nothing major or creased, and shouldn't be noticeable after getting sprayed...
Now I know I should have used torque bits and be proper, but time wasn't on my side and made what I had work. Panel got here today and it's getting sprayed first thing in the morning...
Since I didn't have a torque bit large enough I used a 5 mm allen wrench to remove pole.
I then used a t-25 bit to remove the screws holding on the plastic liner.
Next to remove the base plate I used a wire brush and my drill to remove the paint that was acting like loc-tite on the bolts. After removing the paint I was able to remove them pretty easily with a allen wrench and a few taps of a hammer.
Using a dremel with a cut off wheel to cut off these two tabs.
Using access panel from tasca. 9L3Z-9943121-A It was easy to place and bolt on. I ordered 8 bolts part #(8) W710734-S439 but didn't like them and bought 13-6mm x10mm phillips head bolts from home depot for .38 cents a piece. Versus a dollar piece from tasca. If I was out and for some reason needed to remove panel I figured it would be easier to find a phillips vs a torque bit.
The access panel uses 8 bolts, but bought 5 more to fill the remaining hole from the original liner.
Final step before getting a spray in bedliner is to take your daughter to Ritters for a cold treat country style
All in all It was just under 80 bucks and 30min to do this. With how the panel was packaged from tasca I did have to hammer out and straighten every corner from the sheet metal getting damaged in transit. Nothing major or creased, and shouldn't be noticeable after getting sprayed...
Now I know I should have used torque bits and be proper, but time wasn't on my side and made what I had work. Panel got here today and it's getting sprayed first thing in the morning...
The following 4 users liked this post by Ryninger:
04-12-2011, 09:10 PM
#5
I'm not for sure why you cut the tabs completely off. I just made the holes in the tabs larger for the cover plate to nest in perfectly. The tabs help hold the plastic tailgate top cover on.
I removed my pole because gun cases or anything else will not sit flat on the tailgate.
I removed my pole because gun cases or anything else will not sit flat on the tailgate.
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04-13-2011, 08:39 AM
#9
Thanks 5.0, we like her!
I got rid of the pole because I never liked it...
Don't like have something in the way when loading unloading large items in the bed.
Don't want more places for mulch, dirt, and rocks to get trapped when hauling them.
Finally aesthetically to me looks more appealing to have whole bed lined uniformly.
I cut the tabs off in order to get the lip of the panel to be able to slide under the trim completely. Either the tabs needed cut off or the panel needed some cutting done. I chose the tabs.
I got rid of the pole because I never liked it...
Don't like have something in the way when loading unloading large items in the bed.
Don't want more places for mulch, dirt, and rocks to get trapped when hauling them.
Finally aesthetically to me looks more appealing to have whole bed lined uniformly.
I cut the tabs off in order to get the lip of the panel to be able to slide under the trim completely. Either the tabs needed cut off or the panel needed some cutting done. I chose the tabs.
