Well, as most of you know the factory tailgate cap that GM puts on the HD series is a POS. The 1500 style on the other hand looks awesome to me so I decided to install one, after reading on the forum and finding out that its the same tailgate I ordered up the parts! I didn't want to invest in the Riv-nut tool from GM so here is how I did it...
You will need:
- Replacement spoiler for your year model truck (1500 series)
- 4 Riv-nuts and Bolts to attach the backside to your tailgate (GM Parts)
- 1 6x1.0mm screw and 2 washers
- Oil
- 8mm 5 point wrench
- 10mm socket and ratchet
- 15mm socket for tailgate latch assembly
Start by removing your old cap, it just peels off with 3m tape. Most of the tape comes off easily with some rubbing but if any is being a pain just soak a rag in Acetone and it will do the trick!
Next remove your tailgate latch assembly and unhook the 2 latch rods, just let them hang for now. This will give you access to the inner 2 Riv-nuts as you can see in the pic:
![Image]()
You can also see the outer Riv-nut on the driver side in the pic.
Now get the 6x1.0mm bolt and put 2 washers on it and thread it onto the Riv-nut all the way down, and put a decent amount of oil on it, including the threads!
Like so:
![Image]()
Now get your 8mm wrench and grab the backside of the Riv-nut when you stick it through the hole and tighten it until it doesn't wiggle anymore. It should looked "compressed" like in the first picture and be tight. Do the same for both sides.
Now for the outside holes, just leave your tailgate latch out for the now, your going to need the latch loose to get the other parts out of your way. Remove the latch at the left and ride side of the tailgate, this will give you access to the last 2 Riv-nuts like so:
![Image]()
Just tighten the last 2 up just like the others and put the latch's back into place, along with the latch assembly in the center. And install your new spoiler with the screws you got from GM, don't forget to clean the inside bead of the tailgate for the new 3m tape on the new spoiler, I used Acetone.
And it should end up look like this!
![Image]()
Sorry for the iPhone pics, lol, all I had on me at the time. I'll try and get some decent outdoor pics sometime soon! Also take it easy on me, its my first How To! lol
Thanks,
Jake
You will need:
- Replacement spoiler for your year model truck (1500 series)
- 4 Riv-nuts and Bolts to attach the backside to your tailgate (GM Parts)
- 1 6x1.0mm screw and 2 washers
- Oil
- 8mm 5 point wrench
- 10mm socket and ratchet
- 15mm socket for tailgate latch assembly
Start by removing your old cap, it just peels off with 3m tape. Most of the tape comes off easily with some rubbing but if any is being a pain just soak a rag in Acetone and it will do the trick!
Next remove your tailgate latch assembly and unhook the 2 latch rods, just let them hang for now. This will give you access to the inner 2 Riv-nuts as you can see in the pic:
You can also see the outer Riv-nut on the driver side in the pic.
Now get the 6x1.0mm bolt and put 2 washers on it and thread it onto the Riv-nut all the way down, and put a decent amount of oil on it, including the threads!
Like so:
Now get your 8mm wrench and grab the backside of the Riv-nut when you stick it through the hole and tighten it until it doesn't wiggle anymore. It should looked "compressed" like in the first picture and be tight. Do the same for both sides.
Now for the outside holes, just leave your tailgate latch out for the now, your going to need the latch loose to get the other parts out of your way. Remove the latch at the left and ride side of the tailgate, this will give you access to the last 2 Riv-nuts like so:
Just tighten the last 2 up just like the others and put the latch's back into place, along with the latch assembly in the center. And install your new spoiler with the screws you got from GM, don't forget to clean the inside bead of the tailgate for the new 3m tape on the new spoiler, I used Acetone.
And it should end up look like this!
Sorry for the iPhone pics, lol, all I had on me at the time. I'll try and get some decent outdoor pics sometime soon! Also take it easy on me, its my first How To! lol
Thanks,
Jake
