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INSTALLING TAILLIGHT FILLERS FOR 73-87 AND 88-98 (GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS)
One of our popular custom items is the taillight filler. We have fillers available for 73-87 GM and 88-98 GM trucks. Taillight fillers are panels that are designed to fill in the area of the taillight opening, to
provide a smooth, custom look. The taillights and brake lights must be relocated when using this filler panel. Suggested installation is as follows:
Remove taillight lens and socket housing and disconnect the wiring sockets from the socket housing. Check the fit of the filler panels. Align the bent edge even with the edge of the bed side at the tailgate opening. Grind the panel as needed to obtain a smooth fit in the taillight lens opening.
Grind or remove the paint from the bedside around the taillight opening to aid in welding the panel. Hold the panel in position and tack weld the bent edge of the filler panel to the bedside at the top and bottom of the taillight opening. Use a straight-edge to keep the surfaces even. Tack weld every 2 inches, alternating top and bottom until the entire panel is tack welded. Weld in the spaces between tack welds with small welds until the entire seam is welded. Take plenty of
time to avoid heat build-up which could cause distortion of the seam. If the panel feels warm, wait until it cools naturally before continuing the weld. Grind the welds as needed to smooth the surface and blend to the surrounding sheet metal. Fill uneven areas with plastic filler and sand to the desired contour. Paint the back side of the filler panel and welded joint with rust preventative paint or under-coating to prevent rusting. Prime and paint as desired to match the truck body.
Complete assembly instructions are included with this part.
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