Tailgate Protector

[mcmlxv]

I want to upgrade the tailgate protector on my '04 2500HD from the flimsy plain one to the one that comes standard on the upper trim level 1500s. It has a pattern of repeating rectangles on the top surface, and the vertical portion is divided into 4 sections, each of which has a hole for the screws that hold it to the face of the tailgate.

 

GM Accessories lists 2 tailgate protectors: the first, which is the one I'm replacing, is the one that comes standard with the 1500 work trucks, and all 2500HDs and 3500s. The second is not the one I'm looking for either, according to the picture (which could be wrong).

 

Does anyone have the correct part number for this tailgate protector?

 

The tailgate protector on my truck lasted 10 months before the 3M double-sided tape began to dry out. Now the protector is warping. Not what I consider "Heavy Duty."

 

Why does a heavy-duty truck come with a protector that doesn't even bolt on?

 

Cheap trim drives me crazy...

[curly]

Good question... I want to upgrade mine as well. Maybe someone will chimein. Why in the world would GM even have two types of these?

[Ron J]

My 2002 & 2004 still have the "flimsey ones". I'd rather not drilll holes in my tailgate to hold he 1500 style one on.

[curly]

My 2002 & 2004 still have the "flimsey ones".  I'd rather not drilll holes in my tailgate to hold he 1500 style one on.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Pull up the edge of the protectors and you should find a surprise... my 2003 and 2005 tailgates both have the holes in them from the factory. I found out when I had the bedliner sprayed in my '03 and wanted the liner sprayed over the tailgate. The guy that sprayed the bed for me told me he couldn't do it, I asked ahy and he showed me the holes that are in them from the factory.

 

Now you have a good reason to upgrade .

 

OHHH, I almost forgot..... another NC member!!!!!!

[03HD]

I have already replaced mine with the one you are talking about. I don't have the part numbers, but the guy at the dealership looked it up, pulled at a picture, and I said yep, that is the one I want. It is called a spoiler in their computer, if that helps. You will also need the bolts and the little hexagon shaped receiver pieces that fit into the hexagon shaped holes in your tailgate. Try not to let your chin hit your chest when you see the price of the bolts and receivers! I think I paid $70 for the "spoiler" and $20-$25 for the hardware. Definitely get the hardware though, don't try and do it without it. (just my opinion)

 

Hope this helps.

[Mighty HD]

I've got a diamond plate one, and an extra one as a matter of fact---hint hint..

[mcmlxv]

I have already replaced mine with the one you are talking about.  I don't have the part numbers, but the guy at the dealership looked it up, pulled at a picture, and I said yep, that is the one I want.  It is called a spoiler in their computer, if that helps.  You will also need the bolts and the little hexagon shaped receiver pieces that fit into the hexagon shaped holes in your tailgate.  Try not to let your chin hit your chest when you see the price of the bolts and receivers!  I think I paid $70 for the "spoiler" and $20-$25 for the hardware.  Definitely get the hardware though, don't try and do it without it. (just my opinion) 

 

Hope this helps.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Thank you, that helps a lot. I have one on the way with the hardware. Check my upgrade pictures in the garage in a week or so to see how it looks.

 

Thanks again.