Modifying tailgate door with inside release?

[Potter]

Recently had to fix the typical tailgate door latch.

It seems really easy to attach a small cable to the door open mechanism and drill a hole in the plastic inner panel to feed a 'pullchain" type thingie through which, when pulled, would allow the door to open from the inside.

Seems like a great convenience and maybe even a safety thing if the car's in an accident. My only fear is somehow something would snag the home made thingie (what'da call it?) and open the door while the car's moving.

Anyone tried anything like that?

[Black Sunshine]

You may find that you have to make one of these to open the door from the outside because this is a common problem. It's very possible to make it. What would pull the chain/rod while you are driving. Is there a tornado in your van? The inside release will prove very useful for when the outside one breaks. You might want to open up the inside and take a look to better understand how it works so that you will know how to open it with a screw driver later.

When my outside handle broke I drilled a hole in the lever that the handle used to push and put a cable through it. The cable hung down and pulling it would pop the door but only when unlocked just like the original.

Usually when driving the doors are locked so your inside lever shouldn't actuate. I hated opening mine from the inside when it was broken. Let's put power openers in.

I bought my replacement handle from RockAuto. The replacement is made of metal and the original was plastic.