Rear Tailgate Cap

[Icutmetl]

What’s involved in replacing the rear tailgate cap on my 2018 Sierra 2500HD? I’ve got some scratches & gouges in it already, and want to change it at some point. 

[gearheadesw]

Think it just pops on and off.

I tear the hell out of miner, loading the 4 wheeler with the ramps. Have been thinking about getting a new one, but will just tear it up also, out of ides.

[Icutmetl]

4 hours ago, gearheadesw said:

Think it just pops on and off.

I tear the hell out of miner, loading the 4 wheeler with the ramps. Have been thinking about getting a new one, but will just tear it up also, out of ides.

Snowmobile ramp playing hell with mine. I’m pleased enough knowing there’s an easy solution.

[jerseytaylor]

careful when pulling it off. should you separate the push pins from the cap itself, you run the risk of the push pin dropping permanently inside the tailgate lol...ask me how i know..

[ESMD]

I removed my tailgate cap and replaced it with one of the lighted ones from Anzo.  It's not too difficult to remove but takes some patience.  Look at the two pictures I've posted below which shows the underside of the tailgate cap.  That may help you in figuring out how to remove it.  But basically:

 

1.) Pick a warm day and/or park the truck in the sun for a couple of hours.  It will be a lot easier to remove the cap if the plastic is warmed up.

 

2.) Remove the access panel on the tailgate.  It may be easier to get your hands inside of the tailgate if you remove the two rods for the latch (don't remember if I removed them completely or just unhooked one end and moved them out of the way, but do whatever you feel more comfortable with).

 

3.) On the bottom of the tailgate cap, there are 21 plastic "nubs" that lock into the top of the tailgate frame.  Reach up into the inside of the tailgate through the access panel and simply squeeze each nub and push out to release each one from the frame of the tailgate. 

 

4.) There is also a strip of (what I call) 3M VHB double sided foam tape on the one edge of the tailgate cap, between the lip of the cap and inside of the tailgate.  If you look at the one closeup picture below, you can see the residue of where this is located. The best way I found to help this release without damaging anything is CAREFULLY take a heat gun or hairdryer and warm up the lip of the cap and gently pull it away from the frame.  You can also take a plastic putty knife to help it release.  

 

5.) A combination of step #3 and #4 above should get the tailgate cap to come off.  Again, a warm day will make the process much easier.  

 

6.) When I installed my Anzo cap, I did not use the double sided foam tape, to make it much easier to get the cap off in the future.  I'm sure it has a purpose, but I think the cap is rigid enough it doesn't need it.  And I have not noticed any problems by not using the tape.  

[Icutmetl]

1 hour ago, ESMD said:

I removed my tailgate cap and replaced it with one of the lighted ones from Anzo.  It's not too difficult to remove but takes some patience.  Look at the two pictures I've posted below which shows the underside of the tailgate cap.  That may help you in figuring out how to remove it.  But basically:

 

1.) Pick a warm day and/or park the truck in the sun for a couple of hours.  It will be a lot easier to remove the cap if the plastic is warmed up.

 

2.) Remove the access panel on the tailgate.  It may be easier to get your hands inside of the tailgate if you remove the two rods for the latch (don't remember if I removed them completely or just unhooked one end and moved them out of the way, but do whatever you feel more comfortable with).

 

3.) On the bottom of the tailgate cap, there are 21 plastic "nubs" that lock into the top of the tailgate frame.  Reach up into the inside of the tailgate through the access panel and simply squeeze each nub and push out to release each one from the frame of the tailgate. 

 

4.) There is also a strip of (what I call) 3M VHB double sided foam tape on the one edge of the tailgate cap, between the lip of the cap and inside of the tailgate.  If you look at the one closeup picture below, you can see the residue of where this is located. The best way I found to help this release without damaging anything is CAREFULLY take a heat gun or hairdryer and warm up the lip of the cap and gently pull it away from the frame.  You can also take a plastic putty knife to help it release.  

 

5.) A combination of step #3 and #4 above should get the tailgate cap to come off.  Again, a warm day will make the process much easier.  

 

6.) When I installed my Anzo cap, I did not use the double sided foam tape, to make it much easier to get the cap off in the future.  I'm sure it has a purpose, but I think the cap is rigid enough it doesn't need it.  And I have not noticed any problems by not using the tape.  

That is very helpful info; thanks for your help!