Lighter Tailgate

[DJSKJ]

I took the spare tire off my tail gate and intend to put it on top in a roof basket I just ordered. I have a hitch mounted bike carrier that does not fit very well with the tire on the tailgate. Also, I don't like the extra weight on the tailgate. So I will put it on the roof.
My question is the 4 bolts/screws that jet out of the tailgate, how do they come off? Yes, SAWZAW was my initial thought too but maybe I can do something the correct way for once. The bolts are either counter sunk and I can unscrew them or I have to take the tailgate apart to get them out which will lead me back to the SAWZAW.:shrug:
Anyone come across this?

DJ

 

[tjkj2002]

Unscrew them,they used alot of loctite.There standard 3/8" course thread.

 

[DJSKJ]

I will try to unscrew again. The first go around had me looking for the SAWZAW.

DJ

 

[tjkj2002]

I ended up having to use a pair of visegrips on 2 of them,there in there pretty good.

 

[tommudd]

Yeah don't cut them off
Had someone at the last M&G that did that, took me even longer to get them out for them than if they would of done it the right way!:happy175:

 

[DJSKJ]

SHAAZAM! I got them off! The first one I tried was the hardest one, of course. Vice grips and some elbow grease and they came off. I think I will run to the hardware store and pickups four 3/8" bolts to fill in the holes.
Thanks.

 

[yellocoyote]

I ended up having to use a pair of visegrips on 2 of them,there in there pretty good.

Same here. Ended up destroying them.

 

[Xodius]

If you want you can hit Lowes and in one of the hardware drawers has panel clips. I picked up a few bags to find the right one that fit. I had to trim just a little but the screw in and out so if I ever put the spare back, lol...sorry, then I could. . The clips I used were for a ford.


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[tjkj2002]

If you want you can hit Lowes and in one of the hardware drawers has panel clips. I picked up a few bags to find the right one that fit. I had to trim just a little but the screw in and out so if I ever put the spare back, lol...sorry, then I could. . The clips I used were for a ford.


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3/8" barbed plastic clips fit perfect,I believe for Chevy's,found in the "Help" section at most parts stores.

 

[DJSKJ]

I just put in 4 3/8" bolts in the holes. Does the job. Ordered my roof basket yesterday so I will put the spare up there. I like the look already with no spare on the tailgate.

DJ