Tailgate band for 1987 Silverado V10

[Matt Isard]

OK, I have a new aftermarket tailgate on my 87 silverado 1/2 ton, and want to add the full tailgate band. I need to drill the (4) holes through the tailgate to attached the band, but don't have a template or is it available from USA1. Ant thoughts or templates out there?

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[Frankenchevy]

Maybe make one out of cardboard from the back of the band then transfer it to the tailgate to drill the holes?

 

[Grit dog]

Does the new tailgate band not have the holes in it?
If neither of them are drilled, then locate the holes wherever you wish.
If the band has holes, just use those to layout the new holes. Mark center both ways on both pieces, measure each hole as a distance from center L or R and Up or down.

 

[Matt Isard]

no holes in tailgate, its a aftermarket replacement. My fear is in building a templet is there is some "play" in the band and placement on the tailgate. But may be my only options.

 

[Grit dog]

no holes in tailgate, its a aftermarket replacement. My fear is in building a templet is there is some "play" in the band and placement on the tailgate. But may be my only options.

But there are holes in the trim piece, correct?
Then you have to lay it out. If you go from center, each direction, there will be half the potential for compounded errors and basically zero potential for it to be off center.
Not like it "has" to be exact. Easily 1/8" of leeway or more in the hole size and location if needed.

You could drill a hole, half a hole off in the tailgate and just ream it out to fit and never notice afterwards.

 

[rt66paul]

double sided tape works wonders

 

[Grit dog]

double sided tape works wonders

Probably not an option unless just for temporarily locating it for layout.
Judging by the marks on the tailgate, it doesn’t appear that it sits totally flat against the tailgate and it’s heavier than just a little piece of trim or a badge. Actually appears like it doesn’t contact the tailgate in the center where the bolts go and not a lot of surface area around the edges.
Have you done this? Because it would be a great option for me as I want to weld up the holes. I like the tailgate both with and without and would be a good “non permanent” option.

 

[DBeck350]

I just removed the tailgate band from my 87 so if you need measurements of hole locations or a pic. I can offer that much.

 

[Joshua Keith]

OK, I have a new aftermarket tailgate on my 87 silverado 1/2 ton, and want to add the full tailgate band. I need to drill the (4) holes through the tailgate to attached the band, but don't have a template or is it available from USA1. Ant thoughts or templates out there?

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Not sure what aftermarket tailgate you bought but this trim looks to be for a 73-80 tailgate. I’m not certain they’re interchangeable.

 

[mtbadbob]

Josh is correct, the taper of an actual '87 tailgate is kind of wedge shaped where the trim panel goes, where the earlier years were more of a rolled, round recess. Pictured is my '81 & up tailgate

 

[Craig 85]

The 73-80 tailgate band pictured will not fit in an '81 & up tailgate. This picture is of an '81 and band.

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[84GMCSierra]

I used a long strip of masking tape mounted on the band, then measured where the edge of the band would be on the tailgate, laid the tape down and marked the holes. It's a Chevy gate but made my own GMC one