00 Stock Tailgate OEM Cap/Spoiler Install???....

I recently purchased the stock OEM tailgate spoiler for my 00 Sierra off of ebay. It didn't come with the bolts or the nuts needed to install. So, I went to the dealer and bought the 4 bolts and nut inserts for the pre-drilled holes in the tailgate. I installed everything but the bolt/nut combo doesn't really seem to be attaching properly to the tailgate. The nut just slides in and out and doesn't hold anything. Has anyone put one of these on before?? Am I missing something?? The nut insert fits into the tailgate holes that are hex shaped, but it doesn't seem to attach the the tailgate, just sits free, so if you open the tailgate without the spoiler on, they would just fall out.

Just get the holes welded shut. Looks better without the cap.

Just get the holes welded shut. Looks better without the cap.

Yeah, great idea, but not the one that I am looking for. I like the added strength of the oem cap.

Just get the holes welded shut. Looks better without the cap.

Do you know anything about body work???

The "nut inserts" are commonly called riv-nuts or nutserts, a special tool in usually required to crimp them in place.. you can cheat it and use a bolt, and a nut. Thread the nut onto the bolt, make sure the bolt gets enough thread
engagement into the nutsert. Now hold the head of the bolt while you turn the nut to crimp the nutsert.

Photo of cheater tool
http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/Images/L/659.JPG

Another style tool similar to a rivet gun
http://gallery.mindbent.org/albums/trunk/P4270031.sized.jpg

How would you put a nut inside the tailgate?????

How would you put a nut inside the tailgate?????

http://www.nfauto.co.uk/images/nutsert2.gif

The nut has a flange and installs form the outside.

I took it to the dealer and got it figured out. Basically the same thing you are saying. I made a cheater crimper. At first, I couldn't see how that nutsert would crimp down, it seemed like pretty solid metal. But, I got it to work and now the cap is on nice and tight. Thanks for the replies fellas!!!

Do you know anything about body work???
What do you mean?

Hey man, you show 2 have a GMC Sierra (picture), the GMC's have a SMOOTH tailgate cap that dosen't use clips or bolts!!! They all had a smoth cap that attaches with double sided tape!!! Only the Chevys used the bolt-on design...


Just my 2 cents though....Heck maybe u installed a GMC grille and wheels, and molding and...Lol!!!:grinno:

I know that GMC's had the smooth tailgate cap, however, I also knew that they have the same stock tailgate as the Chev's. My tailgate had the holes already pre-drilled so I knew I could put the heavier cap on it. But, like I said, all is good. I figured the nutserts out and it fits nice and tight now. I will post new pics of what the GMC looks like with it on soon.

What do you mean?

I just had a question for you if ya did.