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2021-2023 K5 Trunk Pull/Handle Solution

1697 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  jmhvera
8
I have provide a solution for people seeking a factory look trunk pull handle solution for your K5.

Check my photos. There are pictures of the trunk lid without the liner and with the installation complete.
I also have provided pictures showing the parts needed to complete the project and the source for them. Screws and washers were purchased at Home Depot. You will need to make a spacer that measures 1”x1.5”x 4.5”. I made my spacer out of high density extruded foam, but you can use simple wood if you like. You will need to drill two holes in the spacer to match the location of the nylon license plate screw inserts. Drill 3/8” diameter. This will give you a hole slightly larger making it easier to line up the screws with the nylon screw inserts easier.

1. Remove trunk liner.
2. Position spacer, align and mark where holes need to be located.
3. Drill 3/8” holes. (Make sure holes are lined up correctly to the holes in the nylon screw inserts.
4. Cut off snap inserts flush on back of trunk pull handle.
5. Use simple mounting tape to fasten your spacer into position.
6. Reset trunk liner in place with as few fasteners as possible.
7. Drill holes through the trunk liner to correspond with the spacer holes.
8. Use one washer and one #8 x2” hex head sheet metal screw per hole in handle. (do NOT tighten so it is easier to line up second screw)
9. Install second washer and screw, then tighten to secure handle firmly.
10. Finish installing trunk liner by inserting remaining fasters. Entire project with prep should take approximately 75-90 minutes taking your time to make the job look factory.
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This looks really good.
I’m happy to see your results, it’s much closer to the factory look from previous models of the Optima.
I was never really satisfied with how my attempt worked out. The function was never an issue but the aesthetics left a lot to be desired. I originally intended to make some adjustments to improve how the two layers met but I never found the material I was looking for and just left it how it was.
Good job, thanks for sharing this solution.
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This looks really good.
I’m happy to see your results, it’s much closer to the factory look from previous models of the Optima.
I was never really satisfied with how my attempt worked out. The function was never an issue but the aesthetics left a lot to be desired. I originally intended to make some adjustments to improve how the two layers met but I never found the material I was looking for and just left it how it was.
Good job, thanks for sharing this solution.
Thanks Grey Wolf. Appreciate the kind words. I was inspired by you sharing your install. I hope you didn’t mind me using your install picture. I needed to have a comparative photo to illustrate the difference of the end result. Another benefit of using a spacer is cost. My total investment with shipping included $39. Sadly $15 of that was shipping cost. I’m guessing one could purchase the trunk pull handle at a dealer for less.
Thanks Grey Wolf. Appreciate the kind words. I was inspired by you sharing your install. I hope you didn’t mind me using your install picture. I needed to have a comparative photo to illustrate the difference of the end result. Another benefit of using a spacer is cost. My total investment with shipping included $39. Sadly $15 of that was shipping cost. I’m guessing one could purchase the trunk pull handle at a dealer for less.
No problem using some of my original photos. I'm happy to have inspired you and anyone else who may have done similar. I like that we can help each other out on these forums and get inspiration from other builds and mods. Your instructions and pictures are a great example for anyone else looking to fix the missing trunk handle issue.

Check out my dash cam setup if you're interested in seeing how I did that as well. It's a pretty clean install, but I wouldn't mind another perspective on it. Not too many views or comments so far.
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I definitely want to install the handle. Should have been installed by Kia in the first place. The lid is made for a handle.
Joined the trunk handle club...:)

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I was so used to having a trunk handle on every Kia I've owned that it was natural to reach up to close the trunk lid after loading...now there's something there.
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Also joined the Trunk Handle club. Took about 30 min after I got the hardware. I followed this post though, K5iFound Slug Build
Found it would be easier for me to get the hardware than making the spacer. It feels solid.

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