Can’t remove bolts from tailgate handle

2002 Tacoma. Tailgate latch needs to be replaced. Bought replacement. Bolts that secure the handle to the latch machinery are self-tapping into brass inserts in the plastic. When I try to turn the bolts, the female brass inserts just spin in the plastic. Am I doing it wrong? Is there a trick I don’t know about? At this point it looks like I’m going to have to try to cut it out, but there isn’t much room for a saw. Help!

 

Can you get a good paid of dikes in there and crack off the handle.

 

Drill the hardware out if you can hold the brass inserts .

Steel and brass do not play well long term .

Grinder and Cutoff wheel??

 

Thanks for the replies. Those are the sorts of solutions I was coming up with. Just wondered if anyone else had run into it and figured out something slick.

I love this site. I’ve learned a lot and saved a lot because of it.

 

In this video it looks like the guy has a similar problem and he seems to pull on the handle piece away from the bolt to prevent the inserts from spinning as he loosens the bolts. I guess if the bolts are corroded bad this wouldn't work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmAgUoTdgIw

 

Used a Dremel cutter bit to cut the plastic.

 

What ever gets the job done!!