1974 Suburban Tailgate Question

[Bryan_C]

Hi - Has anyone removed this fiberglass(?) part that goes between the tailgate window and the body on a 1974 Suburban? I would appreciate any advice on how to safely remove and re-install this piece. Thanks!

[demian5]

I'm gonna stick my neck out that if you pull the window seal there are bolts or screws in there. Look at a barn door truck and you can see what it can possibly bolt to.

I had them, but never pulled that off.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by demian5

I'm gonna stick my neck out that if you pull the window seal there are bolts or screws in there. Look at a barn door truck and you can see what it can possibly bolt to.

I had them, but never pulled that off.

This is correct.

I think you remove the LH and RH side pieces first and then the center.

K

[swissarmychainsaw]

and you will likely destroy the seal when you remove.
LMC has them though.

[Bryan_C]

Here is what I found: Remove the upper glass run felt, remove the screws for the tailgate seal, then you can remove the sheet metal screws holding the three pieces in place. Keith was correct - remove the side pieces first then the top. There is a rubber seal between the fiberglass parts and the body.

Note: The 1973-74 Suburbans use a separate upper glass felt run and a separate lower tailgate rubber seal. The 1975+ Suburbans use a one-piece felt run/tailgate seal.