Oops, paint damage.

Got a little too close to the garage door. Ive got some touch up paint, but just wondering if this piece with the scratch is removable from the tailgate latch??? Does it just pop off, or is it more of an integral piece of the latch?

I would try a magic eraser first it could be just transfer, followed up with maybe polish and wax, as far as taking the piece itself off, not sure

mattyz99 said:

I would try a magic eraser first it could be just transfer, followed up with maybe polish and wax, as far as taking the piece itself off, not sure

Click to expand...

I wish it was just transfer, but the door actually reversed on the bumper, thought I got lucky until I saw that the metal door hinge actually grazed that piece. It is cut into the plastic.

Im thinking that is an access panel or something but I’m not gonna start prying until somebody chimes in with some experience removing it.

It is removable...I removed it when installing my vinyl wrap to wrap it separate. However, trying to remove it from the outside will most likely either break it or damage more paint. It just clips back in easily but once it's in those clips are really tight. My recommendation is the remove the entire latch assembly (I think it's only 2 8/10mm nuts on the top). I deployed the tailgate step to get access to the nuts...without the step not sure how to access them? Once removed and all the wiring is disconnected you have to remove some of the modules on the back to get good access to the clips. Once you can see the little clips gently start prying them to release the panel. I sprayed the clips with some lubricant to help them release. Clipping it back in is a breeze. It's almost like they were designed to go it once and never let go again. Good luck.

bailer said:

I wish it was just transfer, but the door actually reversed on the bumper, thought I got lucky until I saw that the metal door hinge actually grazed that piece. It is cut into the plastic.

Im thinking that is an access panel or something but I’m not gonna start prying until somebody chimes in with some experience removing it.

Click to expand...

yeah, it’s removable but I didn’t do the removing. I did, however, beat you to the punch, performing this same modification back in January of 2017.

Body guy + 2 hours of time and some dry time, $40 and good as new.

Perfect, thanks guys!!!