Help with Viano tailgate handle removal

[gototravel]

Hi everybody,

My 2005 Viano has extensive rusts around the tailgate door handle. I hope someone could give me some information about how to remove it. I asked for a local MB specialist for a price to do it and was told it is about two hour labours. So, I am thinking about a diy if not too difficult. But, I couldn't find any guidance on line. I am very grateful if someone could share some information.

Thanks in advance.

Neo

 

[ringway]

From a fading memory... Remove the surround from the small interior door opening handle (it unclips and there is a retaining screw in the handle assembly - also a screw in the leather pull strap) and (IIRC) a couple of screws from the bottom edge and sides.

Remove the large interior panel cover (lift and pull to cajole to avoid damaging the plastic clips (available at dealership or ebay) and you will be able to see the exterior trim is held on by two bolts which are around an 8mm head I think and IIRC the handle is the same size bolts. Unscrew the bolts and the exterior trim/handle will be easily removable.

 

[gototravel]

Many Thanks ringway for the info! I will see if ican take handle out next week.

 

[ringway]

Good luck!

Here are the clips you might want to buy before you start the job rather than afterwards. There's always one or two that fail when removing the trims.

LINK.


LINK.

 

[gototravel]

Thanks a lot ringway for the links. Have ordered those as you advised. Now I need to get a power sander to sand off the rusts.

 

[gototravel]

Have managed to remove the tailgate panel, but one bolt on the door handle is rusted quite bad and can't be taken out. Hopefully the overnight WD40 to make some differences.

 

[ringway]

Try turning clockwise a pinch before attempting to unscrew.

 

[gototravel]

Still can't take the bolt out. Have a quote from a local body shop for the repair (rust through) and primer, ready for paint, for 120 pounds, including a couple of more rusts on the tailgate door. Hopeful it turns out right. Will update once having some progresses. Thanks again for your guys advice..

 

[BIG UN]

Tbh for £120 mate its hardly worth the hassle & if the body shop damage the paintwork taking the handle off they'll sort it, worst case for you is you have to buy a new handle which I'm sure will be cheap enough & would enhance the look with the new paint.

If im not posting, then im retro fitting!! MBClub UK

 

[gototravel]

Tbh for £120 mate its hardly worth the hassle & if the body shop damage the paintwork taking the handle off they'll sort it, worst case for you is you have to buy a new handle which I'm sure will be cheap enough & would enhance the look with the new paint.

If im not posting, then im retro fitting!! MBClub UK

The tailgate paint is not in a good condition, both corners of the chrome above the number plate lights are rusted. the body shop indy suggested to do a whole paint for the door, even so he said no guarantee to bland the colour to match the rest of the body.

My other option is, after having a quote from another body shop, to buy a second hand door no matter what colour, they will re-paint, but no guarantee for the colour match. This option will cost £400 plus for the door and £220 plus vat for the painting. It is too much for a 10 year rusted car.

 

[BIG UN]

The chrome plated above the number plate is well known to Ringway. There should have been washers between the plate & the bodywork to prevent them rubbing..

If im not posting, then im retro fitting!! MBClub UK

 

[gototravel]

It's going to paint today. The bodyshop asked for a door handle rubber seal as he thinks the rain water will get in through the gap around the handle. Anybody knows where I can those rubber seal?

 

[gototravel]

This is after what it has been painted. There were rusts around the chrome plate, and also left corner of the door handle which has a rusted hole. The panellist advised me to put a clear glue or something to use for kitchen sink around the chrome plate and the door handle to prevent the water from getting in.