Introduction: Pick Up Truck Hard Top Replacement Handle

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The problem

Hard top handles often need replacing due to a single component within the mechanism failing, such as the spring or the lock cylinder. Or the handle might need replacing due to losing the keys.

Handles from the original manufacturers are expensive and can also have long lead times if on back-order. Automotive locksmiths are also pricey.

Symptoms of the fault

Original key no longer working, loose handle, no longer locking the hatch

Vehicles affected

This is a universal replacement handle which will fit any hardtop which does not have a recessed handle (for example, this will not fit Snugtop Canopies). It fits brands such as:

  • Carryboy
  • SJS
  • Adventurer
  • AT Avenger
  • Aeroklas

And other hard tops built from factory such as Navara, L200 etc

The length of the handle itself does not matter; the important measurement is the distance between the sections of the handle that slot into the glass/tailgate hatch. The measurement between this section is 82mm. For all measurements, please see the guide in the images of this listing.

If you are unsure if this handle is correct for your vehicle, please send us a photo of your handle.

Our solution

Instead of purchasing a new handle from the manufacturer of your hard top (which can be very pricey!), purchase our universal replacement handle instead.

Our replacement handle is made of high-quality materials which look exactly like the OEM handles, for a fraction of the price.

If you have lost your keys, or perhaps the lock cylinder has seized leaving the key redundant, then you will find that replacing your handle with our X8R replacement handle must more cost-effective.

You will receive

1 x Replacement Hard Top Handle including the following components:

  • Handle
  • Base
  • 2 x keys
  • Gasket for base
  • Gasket for locating stud
  • 30mm nut
  • Phillip’s head screw
  • 10mm bolt
  • 2 x washers
  • 1 x spring
  • 1 x spring holding plate
  • 1 x spacer
  • 1 x latch locking rod plate

Please note we do NOT sell these components separately, and any orders returned with components missing will not be refunded

Supplies

You will need:

  • Phillip's screw driver
  • 10mm spanner
  • 10mm socket & rachet set
  • 30mm socket & rachet set

Step 1: Remove the Backing

Remove the backing from the handle to expose the mechanism of the handle. It is worth taking a photo at this point so you can look back at how the original components were fitted, you will need to look back at the photo during a later step.

The following steps may vary depending on the design of your hard top, but the process should be similar.

Step 2: Remove Bolts

Remove the two bolts holding on the latch locking rods. Once the bolts are removed, pull the brackets from the spindles and leave them hanging below the mechanism.

Step 3: Remove the Center Bolt

Remove the center bolt holding on the plate & washer, then gently take off the plate. Be careful as the retaining spring is held onto this and may have a lot of tension behind it. Take off the spring & spacer from the spindle.

Step 4: Remove Final Nuts

Remove the nut on the locating stud using a 10mm spanner, and remove the larger nut using a 30mm socket & rachet set. This will release the washer and spring holding plate.

Step 5: Remove Handle

The old handle should fall away from the hard top, leaving the two holes where the handle has been fitted. Clean this space to get rid of any old dirt & debris.

Step 6: Fit the New Handle

Fit the new base gasket onto the new handle.

Slot the new handle into the holes on the canopy. In order to hold it in whilst you install it you can put masking tape on the handle to hold it in place.

Fit the spring holding plate and 30mm nut on one side, and the new round rubber gasket, washer and 10mm bolt on the other. We had to install the foam pad that was originally on the handle, as it worked as a spacer.

Step 7: Fit the Spring and Plate

Put the new spring over the 30mm nut. Carefully take the latch locking rod plate and hook one side of the spring on the underside and pull it across and lock into place with the Phillip's head screw & washer. This can take some force as the spring has a lot of tension. It might be easier for a friend to hold it in place whilst you attach the screw and washer.

This may take several attempts.

It is very important that the plate is in the same position as the original was fitted, look back at the photo you had taken of the original mechanism.

Step 8: Attach the Latch Rods

Attach the latch rods and place the two bolts over the top to secure them in place. Make sure they are the right way round as originally installed, look back again at the photo you had taken at the beginning of install.

Step 9: Complete!

That is the install of the handle completed. It should be able to open and close the hatch on your pick-up, and be able to lock & unlock with the keys.

Installation is carried out at installers risk, if unsure please contact us or a professional, X8R Ltd cannot be held responsible for any adverse result of installing this product or any injuries caused by install, if in doubt ask a professional. All images and texts are copyright X8R Ltd 2021.