how to remove tailgate molding?? (surround license plate)

[Jc12]

Anyone removed this before? i started prying at it and popped a few "clips?" out but it didnt feel right. do i have to go at it from the inside?? remove the inner lining i guess? Somehow the key cylinder back there fell through the hole and disappeared into the tailgate may as well touch it up black to match the rest - i removed the bumper guard/molding and painted it black.. looks wayyyy better IMO

 

[revenantdead]

take off the inner lift hatch panel and the inner door cover. you should be able to find the bolts that attach the moulding to the door. you'll have to remove them before you pry it away. i think you have to detach the lock cylinder as well. it was a few months ago that i had the thing off.

 

[HCurphy]

Yep. Sorry buddy but it is a REAL PITA.

Start by removing the light covers outside, bulbs to just in case

Edit, Forgot: Also I think you have to take the license plate off, two bolts (10mm?)

Take the interior panel off inside--handle first(10mm bolt) then start prying around the edges(those stupid plastic clips)

Two metal covers(like 10 billion 10mm bolts) and some harnesses need to be unplugged (I just let them dangle and secured temporarily with duct tape)

Take off the linkage going to the handle.

Two bolts(maybe three?) holding the handle(10mm)

Take out the lock cylinder (two screws into plastic-terrible design)
--Looks like you get to skip this step

Pop out 4-6 little plastic clips ( I started these from the interior then moved to the exterior to finish them)

Read this bottom to top to reassemble (orders not crucial except where obvious)

This was all from memory so take that for what its worth. It's been quite a while. When you get everything opened up it is pretty intuitive.

Good Luck to you, I regret ever taking mine off because I broke a few of the clips and still haven't fixed it. (on the plus side my surround looks great with fresh paint(ill just mask it off next time) and I sound deadened the back door why I was there)

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Check out this post... it might answer some questions for you:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...-one-2001-sport-ed-trd-scd-15.html#post831952

 

[HCurphy]

Doh! You mean I didn't have to reference my hazy memory and type all that out Big Fish?

 

[Jc12]

lol - thanks for taking the time hcurphy.. it is truly always much appreciated, and thanks guys bigfish the photos helped a lot.. ill take this on tomorrow maybe go get me some square spotlights for my the back of my rack

 

[Jc12]

AWEsome i love when you go to fix a little problem and create a bigger one

i removed everything.. easy peazy.. then to get better access removed the 4 bolts holding on the motor and gears.. when i went to put the bolts back in it had shifted so i banged it around awhile and got them to line up.. now when i go to put the window up and down when it is fully retracted and it starts to go back up it wobbles / sways back and forth a good inch..

and to boot the clips holding the key cylinder in place are toast so i need to get a new piece of molding if i want it back in place

i did paint it and it looks awesome