Drilling an Ez Lift Taigate for Backup Camera

[Zebrafive]

My truck; 2011 Silverado 1500 LTZ

Has option PPA - EZ LIFT TAILGATE

 

The backup camera instructions say to drill a 1" diameter hole in the bottom of the tailgate for wire routing.

 

At the right end (about 9" from the end there is a 1" x 2" oval hole. Thru this hole I can see a round bar, looks to be about 5/16" diameter and about 1/4" above the bottom of the tailgate. It is centered between the inner and outer surface of the tailgate. I think this might be a torsion bar for the ez lift tailgate option.

There is not a factory hole for a backup camera.

 

I am afraid to try drilling the 1" hole ( I have a unibit step drill ) that I will hit and damage this bar or not be able to drill deep enough to make the required 1" hole.

 

Anyone run into this? Is there a way to R&R this bar? I don't want to try and take it apart and find I can't reassemble.

 

The only other option I can think of is get a smaller grommet that will just fit over the split loom that will require a smaller hole than 1" and offset from the bar.

 

Note to Moderator: If this should be in a different section please move. i.e. Ask a GM tech, or Audio/electronics/etc. Thank You.

[newdude]

Preliminary Procedure

Remove the endgate. Refer to Endgate Replacement.

 

1

Torque Rod Retainer Bolt

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution.

Tip: Loosen bolt only, DO NOT remove.

Tighten

12 Y (106 lb in)

2

Torque Rod Assembly

 

The bolt is on the passenger side of the tailgate when you take it off on the bottom lip.

[montyss]

Have the EZ lift on my tailgate and you can drill the hole where they say but probably not with your unibit you will be getting into the torsion rod with your drill bit .

I used a 1" Rotobroach drill bit for drilling the hole , its basically a hole saw. With it start with a small 1/8" drill bit so the cutter doesn't wander all over the place then drill the 1" hole with the hole saw and a small amount of grease around the hole after drilling for rust prevention.

http://www.blairequipment.com/Rotabroach_Cutters/rota_cutters.html

[Zebrafive]

Preliminary Procedure

Remove the endgate. Refer to Endgate Replacement.

 

1

Torque Rod Retainer Bolt

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution.

Tip: Loosen bolt only, DO NOT remove.

Tighten

 

12 Y (106 lb in)

2

Torque Rod Assembly

 

The bolt is on the passenger side of the tailgate when you take it off on the bottom lip.

I did see the bolt you mentioned. In your TIP you say do not remove it. So I guess it must somehow clamp the torsion rod. I still worry it will not go back together if I take it apart. Thanks for posting.

 

Have the EZ lift on my tailgate and you can drill the hole where they say but probably not with your unibit you will be getting into the torsion rod with your drill bit .

I used a 1" Rotobroach drill bit for drilling the hole , its basically a hole saw. With it start with a small 1/8" drill bit so the cutter doesn't wander all over the place then drill the 1" hole with the hole saw and a small amount of grease around the hole after drilling for rust prevention.

http://www.blairequipment.com/Rotabroach_Cutters/rota_cutters.html

If I had one of those cutter it would work. I would use that rather than a hole saw. Very nice cutter, but too pricey for one hole. When you drilled your hole, did you drill centered (forward to back) on the tailgate bottom or offset to miss the rod with the wires?

[montyss]

drilled just slightly higher by maybe 1/4" than they had suggested . you can get just a regular hole saw but raise the centering bit so it is just above the teeth of the hole saw, first start with drilling a small pilot hole to keep you on target

The torsion rod is closer to the outside skin of the gate if I remember right