I'm a chrome junkie, and always looking for more "bling" to add to the truck. I've always thought the black plastic tailgate handle on my Ranger was ugly, so a chrome handle was a perfect replacement. When I found one from Underdog Performance for only $20, I decided that now was the time for a new mod.

The old tailgate handle is ugly hard black plastic. First step towards replacing it is to drop down the tailgate.	First step, remove the plastic cover on the bed. All the screws in the cover need to come out.	The screws also hold the tailgate cover plate in place, so now it's ready come off. The black stuff is undercoat that I always spray on my trucks.
With the cover plate off, you can see the mechanism that unlocks the tailgate. There are just two nuts to remove, and the handle drops out the bottom.	The old handle is out, and new one is in. It's a simple lever system, and very easy to swap parts.	I also took some time to grind and paint the rust spots off the tailgate.
Now, just put the cover plate and plastic liner back on. Reinstall the screws, and close the tailgate.	Close up picture of the new handle. It's smaller than the plastic one, but it looks much better.	Here's another shot of the handle from a distance.
Last shot. Pretty good mod for $20. Once again, I'm adding more chrome to the truck.