Tailgate "spoiler" Install

Jim GMC · September 18, 2008

I searched and searched. I remember seeing a post where someone talked about a special tool needed when installing a tailgate spoiler nuts. Now I bought the spoiler and parts to install it and the nuts don't stay in the holes (and of course I can't find that post). I asked the guys at the dealer and they didn't know anything about what tool I needed.

How do I get the mounting bolts to stay in?

Darkanion · September 18, 2008

If you could post pictures of what you're doing, maybe someone can offer some more assistance..?

Jim GMC · September 18, 2008

I am trying to find a way the nut will stay in the mounting hole.

bsibold96 · September 18, 2008

I had the same problem, what you have to do is.... slide the nuts in the holes, put your spoiler on, and then tighten the bolts down, after enough pressure is established the nuts will "collapse" thus holding them in place. I did notice that you will occassionally have to re tighten the bolts. Hope it helps

I am trying to find a way the nut will stay in the mounting hole.

same

Jeff08 · September 19, 2008

I am trying to find a way the nut will stay in the mounting hole.

This looks like what is called a rivnut. It works similar to a pop rivet and are installed in a similar way. The rivnut threads onto the tool, you place it in the hole and you squeaze it to callapse the barrel of the nut inside the tailgate. Kinda like a wall anchor for sheetrock.

Alliance00 · September 19, 2008

I am trying to find a way the nut will stay in the mounting hole.

This looks like what is called a rivnut. It works similar to a pop rivet and are installed in a similar way. The rivnut threads onto the tool, you place it in the hole and you squeaze it to callapse the barrel of the nut inside the tailgate. Kinda like a wall anchor for sheetrock.

+1 for rivnut

Jim GMC · September 19, 2008

I am trying to find a way the nut will stay in the mounting hole.

This looks like what is called a rivnut. It works similar to a pop rivet and are installed in a similar way. The rivnut threads onto the tool, you place it in the hole and you squeaze it to callapse the barrel of the nut inside the tailgate. Kinda like a wall anchor for sheetrock.

What is the tool called that callapses the barrel?

03silverado · September 20, 2008

we use a tool similar to the PNT310 HEAVY DUTY HAND TOOL for installing the thin threaded inserts. here is a web site that has some different tools to install these inserts.

http://www.hansonrivet.com/w69.htm

you might have to copy and paste the address.

Jim GMC · September 20, 2008

we use a tool similar to the PNT310 HEAVY DUTY HAND TOOL for installing the thin threaded inserts. here is a web site that has some different tools to install these inserts.

http://www.hansonrivet.com/w69.htm

you might have to copy and paste the address.

Thats a serious tool for such a small job!

Its way too expensive to buy, maybe I'll try a differant dealer and they might have one there.

03silverado · September 21, 2008

yes they don't give tools away. my box would have made a NICE down payment on a house. the matco dealer wound up with $15,000.00 for the box and the top hutch! that doesn't come close to what snap on has taken from me over the last 15+ years.

kal el · September 21, 2008

when i put mine on my 03 2500hd I first checked how it went on my wifes1500z71. hers used a nut that had rubber around it and the nut running down the center, as you tighten it the rubber crushes and it will not come out. the dealer wanted $15 for 4 of them. I went to lowes and got the exact same rubber nuts for around $5 and it is still on there 5 years later and who knows how many things have been drug over it.