Removal of Tahoe Z71 side cladding

[maapa]

Hey everyone, great site.

I searched looking for this answer but apparently do not yet have enough information.

I have an '05 Z71 Tahoe. After driving for a couple of years I really would like to remove the side cladding (molding?). I am generally tidying up the exterior (planning to removing the roof rack, remove logos, putting in a grill, new wheels etc.).

I had read somewhere (not this site) that really there was nothing behind the cladding but when I removed the piece behind one of the rear wheels there is a bracket bolted to the fender (with some non-standard looking heads). What other brackets etc. are under the cladding? Any help here is really appreciated.

Thanks,
Paul

[maapa]

No one else removed (or wanted to) the cladding. Surprised. TTT. If not will proceed on my own.

Thanks,
Paul

[MedicBiker]

Do a search for "debadging" that should return the results you are looking for. Basically a hair dryer to heat up the 2-sided-tape, fishing line to "floss" the badge off, and adhesive remover to remove the residue.

[Mark]

Not exactly the same as debadging. Hopefully this pic will help. There are a couple brackets behind them that hold them on and looks like a few retainers as well.

[w33m4n0268]

I would be interested in buying some of the z71 body parts from you if they are in good condition send me a pm if you are serious about it.

[maapa]

Thanks for the diagram Mark, that really helps since I didn't expect to find the brackets underneath. I will check it out in the next week or so and decide how to proceed - kinda depends on how much I need to fix when I remove everything.

As for the parts, I will get back to you (W33). There will pretty much be the Z71 visual package available when I am done (all cladding/brackets and the roof rack), the only thing that may not be available at the same time will be lower front valance/bumper cover, still gotta work through what I am going to do with it. They will all be in pretty much great shape, just two years old and cleanly removed.

Its funny how you think the multi-color add-ons won't bother you but after a while you just wish they would go away (gray z71 cladding, black around windows/mirrors, etc.) - clean it up.

Thanks,
Paul

[w33m4n0268]

As for the parts, I will get back to you (W33). There will pretty much be the Z71 visual package available when I am done (all cladding/brackets and the roof rack), the only thing that may not be available at the same time will be lower front valance/bumper cover, still gotta work through what I am going to do with it. They will all be in pretty much great shape, just two years old and cleanly removed.



Thanks,
Paul

Well I call dibs on the roof rack I have been looking for one for a long time now and this is my chance I would love to do business with you. Don't worry about the Front bumper or the valance I already have sources for those, but i really appreciate it! Can't wait till you get back with me!

email me at normaba@auburn.edu or pm me here I check everyday.

[tonkadawg]

I've been planning on removing the Z71 cladding for a while and pulled a couple of pieces just to see what it all involved. The piece behind the rear wheel has a bracket that is riveted to the body. You will be able to drill it out, but then you will need to have it filled. It wouldn't surprise me if there were more holes drilled to attach the cladding.

[maapa]

tonkadawg,

Did you check the side, how does it look? Yea that back bracket really caught me of guard - I was debating drilling from the front or chopping the back supports with a sawsall and cutting from the backside. From Mark's diagram it appears there are at least 2 other set to work through....kinda looks like a pain. I was concerned that the flares may be a part of the installation - could not tell.

I am heading out of town next week and with the Colts game I won't get to work on it this week (Go Colts - we can't loose to the Pats again!). Perhaps we can trade notes and try and get them both done in the next few weeks.

Thanks,
Paul

[w33m4n0268]

Yea i think there are atleast 3 brackets on each side that would have to be removed.

[tonkadawg]

From what I could tell, the flares are tied in with those light gray pieces and are attached with double sided tape. I think they will come off easily and won't require having to fill any holes. I haven't checked the sides under the doors.

[w33m4n0268]

Yea i guess i really need to find some fender flares first before i consider putting on the cladding huh?

[MedicBiker]

Sorry for the incorrect information - my bad.