Access To Inner Tailgate?

[kenny782]

A little project I'm considering for my '05 silverado

 

I want to install a popper on my tailgate and wire it into the trunk release on my remote

 

Now I can handle all the eletrical work.

But in order to install the two solenoids I need to get to the inside of the tailgate.

 

This tailgate has no access panels like I've seen on some dodge and ford's.

And I don't see anyway to just open it up. Like removing the whole innner panel for example, unless I'm missing something.

 

I'd appreciate any info.

 

Thanks,

 

Kenny

[Rausche]

I'm not 100% on it, but AFAIK the only way to do it on our tailgates it to drill out all of the spot welds and separate the panels... I'm sure somebody more knowledgeable will jump in and confirm/deny.

 

That does sound like an awesome idea though... Are you going to tie it all in with pistons so that the tailgate doesn't just fall down when you pop it?

[kenny782]

hmm, I've already got a line-x sprayed on the bed and tailgate so that would suck

 

I was hoping it would just unbolt, I figured GM would want some way to get in there if they had to service the whole locking mechanism. But then again these are the guys that couldn't figure out why my radio kept burning out lol

__________

 

I've already got an EZ-Down on it so comes down nice and easy

 

Thanks

 

Kenny

 

I'm not 100% on it, but AFAIK the only way to do it on our tailgates it to drill out all of the spot welds and separate the panels... I'm sure somebody more knowledgeable will jump in and confirm/deny.

 

That does sound like an awesome idea though... Are you going to tie it all in with pistons so that the tailgate doesn't just fall down when you pop it?

[palletyard]

that gate needs to be cut! for that install

[Barney]

I installed the poplock/pace edwards single solenoid in mine. It gets wired to the door locks so that you can unlock with the key fob. It installs through the handle release. This might be your best bet.

 

http://popandlock.net/

 

-Barney

[detjoe]

It installs through the handle release.

-Barney

unlike the other truck the panel is the actual handel on the outside of the bed. not much room to work.

[kenny782]

I was going to add that to or something similiar.

But what I'm trying to setup is something to actually open the tailgate not just lock and unlock it.

 

-Kenny

 

I installed the poplock/pace edwards single solenoid in mine. It gets wired to the door locks so that you can unlock with the key fob. It installs through the handle release. This might be your best bet.

 

http://popandlock.net/

 

-Barney

[kenny782]

hmm someone told me on another site that there should be some large openings all along the top of the tailgate. Underneath the black plastic cover. Can anyone confirm that?

 

I might be able to work with that in conjunction with the handle opening.

 

If not I guess my spray in liner might work to my advantage.

I could cut an opening do my thing weld in some sheet metal throw on some primer and have the line-x guys patch my liner.

Not the ideal solution but I guess it would work. And just hope the solenoids don't go bad in my lifetime lol

Otherwise I'll have to fabricate my own panels and seel them well. Then have the line-x guys spray them.

Edited January 4, 2009 by Kenny782 (see edit history)

[dubdaddy420]

Nope their are no large openings under the plastic cover , just four small holes.

[Barney]

Check this site out

 

http://www.black-ridge.com/power-tailgate.htm

[kenny782]

very interesting, thanks.

 

I sent them an email asking for installation instructions, see what's involved

[kenny782]

hmm was a really nice kit.

 

But it requires a bracker to be mounted on the inside face of the tailgate.

Making it impossible to slide anything into the tailgate like a sheet of plywood.

And you wouldn't be able to carry anything that extends out onto the tailgate.

 

Reading the instructions did give me an idea though.

I wonder if I can somehow manipulate the strikes. I'll have to take a look