Is ther a difference in the SS/C3 tailgate handles from the reg trucks or are they just already smooth and ready for paint?? Can aomeone post some pics??? THANKS!!!

 

AFAIK, GM only makes one type of handle for the pickups. The SS/C3/Denali types are just the textured handles that have been painted. (Next time you see one, take a close look)

I was looking for a smooth handle a couple years ago and none were to be found. I had the body shop smooth mine down a paint it. It's no longer on the truck now, and is available for the taking, though.

 

How much?

 

Just sand yours and paint it. That is what I did awhile back...much easier and it will be totally smooth unlike the SS/C3 ones.

 

I sanded my tailgate handle and cap then painted them.

 

Werd to what everyone else said. I had mine done at a local painter (since I'm horrible at paint/prep work). He sanded, filled with primer, and painted. Looks nice and smooth. Most painters will charge a minimal fee (less than you can buy an SS/C3 handle and bezel) plus it will be smooth.

 

Where in Texas are you located? Who did it for you? How much did they charge you to do this? I am wanting to do this so that I can put my SS tailgate cap on my truck.

 

I'm located in the DFW area and the painter I used is located specifically in Plano. He actually works on top of the local Mercedes dealership and does all the paint work for Ewing (which owns the Mercedes and Buick, Pontiac, & GMC store right next door). Your best bet (if you don't know of any good painters) is to ask your local dealer where he gets all his work done. I've done this several times with various mods (paint, tint, etc.) and have found some pretty good guys this way. I paid $60 for the handle and bezel painted. Prices will vary on how much the painter thinks his time and materials are worth. I think I got a pretty good deal when comparing it to buying an SS/C3 handle (the handle alone I think lists for something like $50).

 

That is a good deal. I know one guy and he painted the tailgate cap but I don't know if he would sand the handle and bezel for me. If I wanted to sand it myself, what size grit sandpaper would I use?

I would have thought that the dealer did their own body work. The dealer that I usaully go to as its own body shop. Who at the dealer should I ask? I know a service rep but that is about it. Do you think that he would know who does their body work?

 

I used a 5-1/2 orbiter sander with 250, then I wet sanded them with 400