[PCH]

The problem:



The fix:



I believe this to be the permanent cure for the rear hatch handle's weakness. It is simply in bad need of reinforcement and here is my take on the root cause of the issue:

Instead of the flimsy plastic retainers that tend to break i put together a metal bracket:





Completely removed both center retainers for the clip and the screw that usually crack. I only left the tabs that hold the plate lights:





Then the hatch release switch needed some minor work:



New screws that will hold the switch button:



And now the bracket goes is:



I believe this is as strong now as it needs to be and then some more:





The whole thing is now bolted to the hatch:



Completely invisible mod that should never let the handle break:

[ketchup_xb]

bravo victor always impressive work.

[The_Doctor]

You sir, are very innovative

[PCH]

Thank you, Heinz

[PCH]

Thanks, Doc! I knew i was gonna have fun when i got my xB

[aalbertson3]

Nice work! Are you able to produce more of these for other owners?

[PCH]

Thank you very much! I've asked a very respected member of CxB to evaluate this part and installation steps for me so i get a better idea. I welcome all interest through PM since this thread was meant to show-off the new mod and may be answer questions about the install if there are any. Thanks again

[bbszero]

I was lucky enough to get one of these from Victor. The new box came with a broken garnish, both end studs gone. honestly, I about shat myself when i opened it up, hard to believe this is made in his garage with basic tools. I finally got a chance to install it today. I couldn't repair the 2 end studs on the garnish, so I figured i'd see how it worked without them. With the install pics/instructions, it was a breeze. Fit and finish is incredible! The handle feels 100 times stronger than the one on my other B, that is still held on by all factory fasteners. But this is only held on by 2 instead of 4. I plan on picking up a new garnish when one comes up, and i'll install this on that one to assure it never comes off. I feel this is a great fix for a broken garnish, lets face it, replacements are expensive! And if yours hasn't broken yet, I'd definately recommend installing one for preventative measures. Victor hit a homerun with this one, I'd love to see them available for purchase someday! Thanks again Victor, and I'd love to help with these if you decide to go that route.

[PCH]

Thank you for such positive review, Cliff Glad it worked as it was supposed to!

[sdsnybny]

AMAZING as usual what a great contribution to clubxb
VictorWerks strikes again.

[bB626]

wow! awesome stuff, Victor!

[PCH]

Thanks Steve and Johnny! Good to hear from you guys

[Kazzak]

At work and just thought of this. I removed the rear hatch handle and the entire garnish piece to fix my brackets and then put the inside cover back on and shut the hatch to go to work. How do I open the hatch back up?
Is there a manual unlock switch i do not know about?

[PCH]

LOL, i've done that too. There is no manual release, so either connect the release button or stick the paperclip into the White connector and push the hatch open from inside of the car.

[SAKURA]

Always the best and original werks only from victor!

[PCH]

Thank you teacher! Always inspired by TG

[Digidizzle]

Wow! That's really cool! More stealth, but I still love mine!

[PCH]

Thanks, Dennis. Glad to hear yours is good

[toyomatt84]

Wow... what do you do for a living? Between this and the custom Wink mirror mounts, it seems as though you're a Mechanical Engineer of sorts. Again, great work!

[PCH]

Thanks man! I just like to make stuff. I used to do auto repairs so i got a lot of tools- that helps