How to: Remove outer plastic trim on left barn door?

[OzzieNorm]

I need to remove the barn door lock assembly on my 2006 ST wagon - as the key won't go into the lock AND as the door cannot be locked from inside the vehicle (nor centrally locked).

I removed the driver's door lock on the weekend and got it working again. Beauty! Boy was it gunked up and frozen solid. See the following post for how I managed that:
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forum...or-lock-barrel

Accessing the barn door lock assembly is a much more ugly undertaking... [Note: This is the key/barrel component - not the latch assembly.]

Worst thing is that the lock body will not just pop out of the door skin once the U-retaining-clip is removed - as the plastic trim (including the silver/chrome PATROL plate) covering the door (behind the number plate) HAS to be removed to get access to the outside of the lock assembly! Darn. Dash. (*#&@)*%) Yuk.

I am having trouble removing the external door handle. The retain nut (inside the door cavity) just seems to spin... Perhaps I need to get a second spanner on the outside end of the bolt...? Except, I can't get to the outside end of the bolt to see what needs to be done.

Anyone succeeded in getting that external trim off the left barn door?

Help pls.

Thanks.

[OzzieNorm]

I have since found this info on the patrol4x4 site:

1 Remove the trim panels and sealing sheet from the left hand tailgate
2 Release the clip retaining the numberplate lamp wiring connector and disconnect the wiring
3 Release the clips retaining the exterior door handle controlrod and withdraw the control rod from tailgate
4 Remove the nuts(2) retaining the exterior door handle to the tailgate panel. Withdraw the lock cylinder support bracket from the exterior handle stud
5 Working on the outside of the tailgate remove the screws (2) retaining the handle assembly to tailgate ( left hand side )
6 Firmly pull handle away from the tailgate to release the retaining clips located at each end of the handle assembly
7 Partially withdraw the handle assembly and prise the number plate grommet from the tailgate
8 Manoeuvre the handle assemblyfrom the tailgate. Seperate the exterior handle from the handle assembly .

Per #5, I need to get access to the external screws...

Is there a way to remove the PATROL badge/plate from the left barn door trim?

Thanks

[BearGUST]

You don't need to remove the 'Patrol' badge section to access the screws. Unfortunately my car is not nearby to take a photo....
The screws are fairly large philips head screws that (from memory) thread in at about a 45deg angle from the under side of the handle assembly.