Tailgate Bands Pics/options/diy

[kevinr1970]

Originally Posted by sangermike

this is the same problem that im going thru right now. i have a narrow band that a friend gave me but wont look good on the ends. the price range i keep finding for a new 87 tailgate band is 500.00 to 650.00 if i could find a new one for 300.00 i would be all over it. does anyone know where you can find these tailgate bands new in the 300/350 range.

I thought the new truck bands were like $400 and the Blazer bands were like $160?

*EDIT; looks like the Blazer bands are at $150 but couldn't find the truck bands?

[blazn79]

LMC says that band is for 81'to 91' blazers, but can it be used on 73-80's?

BLAZN79 FOR LIFE!

[Anadrol]

Originally Posted by 78 Chevyrado

You would have to do some massaging to the ends of the band to get it to sit right. On the 81-up gate where the end of the band would go is flat, whereas on the band itself, it's rounded to fit the older tailgates.

Here's mine. Man the skinny bands seem popular.

Whoaaaa, hold on a minute...
where are you guys getting these? Is that a band off an older truck that you grinded until it fit yours? I've been needing a replacement band forever.

[truckfan]

Originally Posted by Anadrol

Whoaaaa, hold on a minute...
where are you guys getting these? Is that a band off an older truck that you grinded until it fit yours? I've been needing a replacement band forever.

The narrow band was found on pickups w/ the Cheyenne package only from 75-80 (I think). 77's were of course yellow, like the chrome. All other years have black lettering. I found mine at a swap meet, since my truck is a Bonanza and had no band. Here is mine.

i have another beater truck w/ a '81 up tailgate that has one that has a narrow band that has been modified to fit the contour of the later tailgate. it does not look good up close.

if you really want the narrow band, you had better get a 73-80 tailgate. (stamped letters in the center as opposed to on the end)

[KQQL IT]

This thread made me pull the trigger on putting the blazer band on my pile. I have it in my garage for three years. What a major PITA that was....

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Driveway Dreams

.....Is there anyone with a band that is a high mirror like polish? I think that would look great!

Like this?

[JohnC]

KQQL IT that is what I'm wanting to do to mine. It looks good on there.

[KQQL IT]

Originally Posted by JohnC

KQQL IT that is what I'm wanting to do to mine. It looks good on there.

I hop you have better luck. i did more damage seperating the blazer band from the bracket than i want admit too And the pick up bracket was different where the bracket and band snap together... But love the result

[JohnC]

I know the pic isn't the best, but I don't notice any issues. If they are all hidden behind the band, then it's good for me. Sometimes engineering feats don't look so good on the inside, but they are awesome on the outside.

[KQQL IT]

Originally Posted by JohnC

I know the pic isn't the best, but I don't notice any issues. If they are all hidden behind the band, then it's good for me. Sometimes engineering feats don't look so good on the inside, but they are awesome on the outside.

You mean the flashlight, cell phone finished in the dark pic. I added a outtie dent, a few scratches nothin terrible but it was a really nice band before. I will get better pic, But thanks

[Anadrol]

Still totally confused here.

If i rip off my crappy band, is there a Chevrolet stamp behind it?

Can I just toss that dented old band and clean up whatever is behind it and never replace it?

As for these narrow bands, is there anywhere I can buy one or no?

[JohnC]

Behind the band the tailgate is stamped with either Chevrolet or GMC depending on your truck. The only thing is you will have the holes where the band was mounted.

[flamingbig10]

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by Anadrol

As for these narrow bands, is there anywhere I can buy one or no?

^x2

I really like the look of the narrow band and would like to find one too. I have been looking in the wrecking yard every time I go but no luck so far.

[CHROMAHOLIC]

I picked up an NOS one about a month ago for a $125.00....not sure if I will use it or not being as my truck is only a Custom Deluxe but I couldn't pass it up...

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by CHROMAHOLIC

I picked up an NOS one about a month ago for a $125.00....not sure if I will use it or not being as my truck is only a Custom Deluxe but I couldn't pass it up...

Can you take a few dimensions on that NOS part for me?

Height, length, corner radius, edge band width, lettering height & width. I want to put it into AutoCAD.

[KQQL IT]

Originally Posted by CHROMAHOLIC

I picked up an NOS one about a month ago for a $125.00....not sure if I will use it or not being as my truck is only a Custom Deluxe but I couldn't pass it up...

That would look awesome and it would match the rest of the trim on your truck

[74 C-30]

Originally Posted by 68 TT

I want to put it into AutoCAD.

oooh billet tailgate bands?

[3r!c84]

do any body have pics of the handle flip?(on the inside)?

[Benelli]

dont know what its considered, but here it is.

[flamingbig10]

it's a shaved tail gate with the handle opening there available at classic parts of America

[3r!c84]

Originally Posted by Benelli

dont know what its considered, but here it is.

i like the one i made u better

[Benelli]

Originally Posted by 3r!c84

i like the one i made u better

damnit i shoulda saved it!

[chevyrestoguy]

I've done a few Blazer band swaps and handle flips. It's pretty basic, and the effect is very subtle. It has a custom and factory look at the same time. I used to use the Bell-Tech tailgate handle flip kits. You need a cutoff wheel to do a nice clean cut.

I went through my parts stash about a month ago and came across a 73-80 band, a Blazer band, and a 81-87 rear bracket. I was going to do a Blazer band swap on my old '83 truck and wound up selling it before I could do the swap. I would up putting all of these parts on the For Sale board (still there) because I'm focusing on finishing my '55.

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by 74 C-30

oooh billet tailgate bands?

That is what I was thinking. A piece of 1/4" thick 3" x 48" 6061-T6 flat bar is only $12.

I know a guy that owns a local sign shop that I might be able to talk into milling it out for me. I know he can use AutoCAD files as he has cut signs for me before on work projects.

Can't hurt to ask, especially if I have the material and the CAD file in hand.

I have the tools to manually machine the shape and do the brush finish but doing the lettering would be very time consuming and would be very easy to screw up. If only I had access to the CNC machines I used in the air force.