[ScottAW]

Could some of you that installed the Gater Saver with the original trim post some how-to's, pictures, or explain how you fit it up? I have mine all taken apart, and have a few ideas on how to approach it. I would like to see what some of you have tried already though.

I'm mostly concerned about how to re-attach the top edge trim piece. I'm thinking I'll clip off all the spring-tab thing-a-ma-jigs, but leave the three posts that keep the trim piece positioned. I'll cut holes in the Gater Saver to match these post. Also, how did everyone cut off the spring-tab things?

Also trying to think of a way to attach the top trim piece from the inside to, similar to how the spring-tab things work.

Anyway, any help, tips, pics, etc., would be appreciated very much. Thanks!

PS - I also dry fit the Gater Saver over the tail gate. It looks like it is a one-shot deal, and will require a light-press to fit it onto the tail gate. Real snug!!! Is this the norm? Has anyone put a layer of vinyl over the paint to protect it from being scratched? The self-adhesive vinyl would be sandwiched between the Gater Saver and the stock metal.

 

[ScottAW]

*bump*

 

[TurDonor]

I did exactly what you are thinking about--cut off all the clips except the three posts and drilled holes. I didn't use anything else to keep it in place, I think I had to buy longer screws and washers to go through both trim pieces at the top. It works okay, although it's not beautiful, as the Gator-saver edge peeks through. It doesn't fit as far to the rear on the truck as you think it will.

I used a dremel to carve out the clips, and eased the edges of the main trim piece around the latch and I think the lower corners. I also had to cut down my rubber stops a bit too.

My Gator-saver fit quite snug, but I was able to remove it again just by prying with my fingers. It doesn't latch onto any ridges or anything. Have fun!

 

[Jaime]

Is this what your talking about: http://io.xhadi.net/taco/ ???

 

[fendertweed]

not exactly answering the original Q, but just fyi for any who may care ... i have a BakFlip cover on our 05 and was concerned that the gap at the top of the gate would be too big with the original plastic trim cap removed. As it turns out, the GaterSaver is a very nice tight fit, where the orig. plastic cap was almost too tight a fit.

So I've given up on the idea of reinstalling the cap trim piece. I may reinstall the larger interior tailgate panel.

 

[Sethmark]

For those installign with the plastic, remember to pull the rubber bumpers so that the latch isn't over tightened.

Seth

 

[LN13]

For those installign with the plastic, remember to pull the rubber bumpers so that the latch isn't over tightened.

Seth

I ended up cutting the bumbers down to the width of the gator saver. Great product Seth as this thing is solid now and thanks again.

I ended up cutting all the clips inside the cover flush to the ribs with a dremel. I then used urethane adhesive to glue it to the rail, which came out awesome and feels realitely strong, but only time will tell. I glued every rib and piled it on pretty thick where the clips were, which appear to be a good bonding area. I figure if it does not work out then I will use the 2 existing holes and add 2 to the middle area and screw it down. I think the cover with the gator savor could pass as a factory look as it lines up perfect with a minor gap.

 

[Sethmark]

That's a new solution. Did you take any pics?