Fosscore's 2013 Suburban LTZ Build Thread

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juan84

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Sounds good wonder if the denali would be a little louder with the 6.2

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TM98

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What pad did you use for applying the Aqua tech?
 
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Fosscore

Fosscore

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Replaced the passenger front door handle this morning.

Pretty straight forward considering I had just done the passenger rear a few months ago. Such a shame how cheap these handles are, but thankfully replacements are only $20.

Good video here to explain the removal details, so I will save the write up.

You will need a flathead screwdriver, 10mm socket with long extension and also handy if you have a body panel plastic tool. Should take you about 30 minutes.


Door handle pulls away from the door meaning that crappy pot metal/plastic has just broken.
IMG_6931.jpg


Removed: Sail panel (3 clips), door handle cover plate (1 x 10mm bolt), door grab handle cover plate (2 x 10mm bolts) and lock cover plate and lock to expose the lock rod. Flathead screwdriver used to remove the 3 cover plates. Window/door lock panel with the faux wood has the main clip in the front and gently work around to the back lifting it up and out. Door handle has 3 x 10mm bolts and unclip the lock rod from the yellow plastic retaining clip.
IMG_6933.jpg


Color-coded harness on the underside of the window/door lock panel that needs to be unclipped to pull the door panel away from the door. Then you can unclip the door handle cable. I have heated/cooled seats and chose not to unhook that switch and just let the panel rest on the power running boards to change the door handle.
IMG_6935.jpg


OEM and replacement. Identical with the same 2 weak plastics/pot components.
IMG_6936.jpg


Door handle removed. Note the knurled pot metal insert still stuck to the door. This is what broke off and has the 10mm bolt attached on the inside of the door. I used the socket on the inside and a pair of pliers on the outside to get it unscrewed.
IMG_6937.jpg
 
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Fosscore

Fosscore

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What pad did you use for applying the Aqua tech?

@TM98

Sorry delay man. Was dodging Hurricane Irma. Can be applied by hand with any pad or microfiber, but it's a lot of elbow grease. I used my DA and a more aggressive pad to spin slow on the water spots. Of course the corners will need to be done with your finger. Maybe even crack the window to make sure and get the areas of the window that tuck up inside the weather seal. Then coat with Rain X, Aqua Pel or even Collinite's 845 Insulator Wax works too.
 

08HoeCD

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Bad news is that you've experienced so many failed door handles.

Good news is that you can probably replace them and button everything up now in under 15 minutes!

I learned that Gruven offers replacement inserts (stainless?) that are much longer/thicker/stronger and which, once installed, should eliminate most failures of this type. I don't have the link handy but think they're about $30 per door handle.
 

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