trunk lid pull-down handle

[Navy Lifer]

After looking at a new SS last week, I noticed a neat feature on the inside of the trunk lid.

There is a nice molded plastic handle (not a strap) mounted on the right side of the lower part of the trunk lid. The handle is GM PN 95460708, and mounts using 2 screws/bolts GM PN 11589012.

I have not tried to actually mount it on the PPV lid, and do not know if there will be any issue with mounting it at this point. Hope not, and I'll update this once I've looked more closely at it. Whole deal is $10 - $15 depending on where you get your parts.

The handle is made in US, and used on a variety of GM vehicles, so it's not unique to SS. A check of the 2014 PPV parts book does not show the handle being included on that model.

sorry about the spots on the lens....photography is not my strong suit!

trunk handle1.JPG (40.06 KiB) Viewed 14893 times

trunk handle2.JPG (41.56 KiB) Viewed 14893 times

[AACoPD05]

Thats a great idea! It was frustrating not having a handle back here. I hated touching the painted body to close the truck. Amazing how a $10 part would have made such a difference.

[Navy Lifer]

Completed install of handle on PPV. May re-visit this, and punch holes in carpet to have handle sit flush to the sheetmetal of the deck lid itself.

Simple install - drill 2 pilot holes, install with screws listed in first post.

pull-down1.JPG (41.92 KiB) Viewed 14893 times

pull-down2.JPG (31.44 KiB) Viewed 14893 times

[Navy Lifer]

It will be necessary to re-visit this mod, since the 2 sheet metal screws specified in the SS parts list do not adequately secure the handle--a reinforcing plate is needed to support the handle, which now flexes excessively when the handle is used to close the lid.

The stamped sheet metal is thin--too thin, apparently--in the mounting area (on PPV deck lid). The new SS uses an aluminum deck lid, and material gauge may be different (thicker), or the stamping may have included some sort of stiffening ribs in the area where the handle mounts to avoid this.

I'll mount the reinforcing plate--probably aluminum--behind the existing handle mounting position, pop-riveted to the deck lid.

I'll also cut 2 holes (using a gasket punch) in the carpet for the handle mounting bosses, to allow the handle to fit flush to the sheet metal, as the carpet may be contributing to the flex problem that exists now.

[GTObert]

An alternative would be to use rivnut inserts and machine screws. The only problem is that you need the tool in order to install the rivnuts.

[CrashTestDummy]

Too bad that aluminum SS deck lid wouldn't fit, then you can get the whole kit, and add lightness, too!

[Navy Lifer]

couple of things to think about....

the Caprice SS accessory spoiler makes a great external "handle" for closing the trunk lid--no dents

I didn't take pictures of the complete internal pull-down handle mod, but the reinforced plate approach worked quite well. Maybe I should come up with a kit.....

[9C1fanatic]

Thanks for spotting this simple but very practical mod. Is there a specific place on the trunk that it needs to be mounted or works best? I take it that since you drilled holes, they were not already there so in theory you could mount it anywhere. Does it look like it would hit stuff if you had your trunk full? My Caprice did not come with any carpet in the trunk other than the floor, I assume it would still work, but do you think it would look factory as it does on your car?

[Navy Lifer]

Garner,

I think it should work fine, carpet or not--the location is basically an eyeball match for the position on the SS deck lid.

I'll plan to take it out again to get some photos, which will be far better than trusting my memory--the original installation with the OE screws was changed to a much more rugged setup.

I'm not home now, and won't be for awhile.

[storm9c1]

If I ever do this mod, I may install two handles (one on each side) unlike the stock config on the SS. That way it won't matter which hand is full when I close the trunk lid.

Do we have a part number for that handle? Edit: nevermind, I missed it above. 95460708