tail gate questions

[Pampas56]

I want to swap some parts from my donor truck tailgate to my truck. Not sure how easy to do or even if it is possible.

This is my tailgate.


I want to replace the latch and trim from the other tailgate and try to fit the tailgate band as well.



How hard is the swap and can the band be removed and installed without destroying it?

Thanks
Steve

[Big Daddy Bear]

I believe that tailgate band is attached by adhesive.

So to remove it, you would need to cut it free with a wire run between it and the metal, or possibly some heat from a heat gun may help it release.

I don't know if it is sturdy enough to detach without damage.

The handle should just be bolted in, and can probably be accessed from removing the inside skin of the tailgate, I would have to look at mine, but I believe it is just a cover that is removable for access.

Aside from the color difference, is just swapping tailgates and repainting to match not an option?

[Pampas56]

Repainting is an option, but matching the 30 years of abuse that the truck has gone through will make it a tough job.

Otherwise the tailgate will look like a pearl on a manure pile

[Mr_Rich]

Replacing the handle is the easy part. Remove the three Torx bolts on the inside and flip the detents off the catch rods on each side. Fifteen minute job. On that red tailgate you may have to destroy the plastic handle surround to remove it. They have some tabs that don't survive very well. That Chevrolet band may get destroyed if you try to remove it; not sure if they have repros now.

[Big Daddy Bear]

LMC lists a couple of tailgate emblems/banners in their catalog, but they don't look exactly the same as the one on your truck.

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cd/full.aspx?Page=76

Copy & paste the link into your browser and it should take right to the page, if it just goes to their catalog, it is on page 76.

[Mr_Rich]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy Bear

LMC lists a couple of tailgate emblems/banners in their catalog, but they don't look exactly the same as the one on your truck.

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cd/full.aspx?Page=76

Copy & paste the link into your browser and it should take right to the page, if it just goes to their catalog, it is on page 76.

I just see the letter bands with the word "CHEVROLET" like a decal, not the metal one like the one on the red tailgate. I think those are the ones that are disc. I like that metal band because it's kind of like a reflector and stands out at night.