Appearance Mods Questions

richscorvettes · October 17, 2002

I'm working on the list of mods. to make for this truck. I'm not looking to build a show truck by any means but am interested in making it more distictive and functional. Thus far I have the fiberglass tonneau ordered (an ARE unit), a Bed Rug, smooth factory fender flares (to paint) and billet grills from Putco, Trenz and Carriage Works.

On the grills I am looking for a complete bolt-in replacement and want to see how these compare. I've been told that the Trenz is a bolt-in and the others are bolt-overs. If anyone has had experience with these brands I would appreciate your thoughts on their quality and how well they mount.

I'm also looking for running boards which will work as a step but also help to hide the exposed frame rails. Thus far it looks like the Sidetracker or Step Mate from Lund might work but I'm also interested in how well the mounting setup is made. Does anyone have experience with the Lund units or other brands you would recommend?

I also need to be able to lock the tailgate and have seen electric units from Pace Edwards and Pop Lock. Does anyone have experience with how well these install and work?

Thanks for your help.

Rich Lagasse

99Silver6.0 · December 6, 2002

As far as the grilles go, I heard the Trenz is a better grille. It does cost a bit more but its the one Im gonna order for my 99. I really dont want a billet grille that just bolts over the factory plastic insert. Like you, I want one that replaces the factory insert. JPCustoms.com has a lockable tailgate handle but Im not sure about an electronically lockable one.

LarryE · December 6, 2002

i like stull better i havent found a trenz product yet that i like most all of their stuff looks dull after no time

Shotgun · December 6, 2002

carrige works billet grilles are the cream of the crop baby! :thumb:

99Silver6.0 · December 6, 2002

Ive had zero problems with my Trenz!! Shiny as it was when I bought it. Its not painted bright green or anything.

OCFreedom · December 6, 2002

I have a carriage works..its a nice grill...it is the full billet with no emblem. I dislike it because it is made with many less bars than the trenz or the T-rex. I have a trenz lower air dam and will be buying a trenz to replace the carriage works. One note on carriage works.....still as shiny as the day i got it. I just don't like it because you can see the radiator supports etc through the grill....

Roofer · December 6, 2002

I have a "bolt over" Putco Punch grille insert. It looks real good, but the mounting didn't fit quite right. It has a lower piece and a top piece. Each piece has four little bolts with a clamp type thingy. I could only get 3 out of 4 to bolt up to the HD chevy grille. Like I said, it still looks nice, but for $125 ??? piece, it should bolt up perfectly. It looks like the GMC Denali insert, but on a Chevrolet. Of course now it is covered with the winter front. It's cold here in MN, it's been close to zero the last couple nights.

omegastu · December 6, 2002

Does anyone make a grill that is a direct replacement for the GM factory grill insert? It seems like every grill out, other than the bolt-overs, makes you drill holes in the grill frame.

KOBO · December 15, 2002

If I may suggest, try looking at the GM, GMC color-keyed, integrated running boards. These are available for the 2001 SierraC3, 2002-2003 Sierra Denali and thus, should apply to the Siverado.

OneFastSilverado · December 16, 2002

I don't think there is a way to make a "direct replacement" grille. When installing one other than a bolt-over, it is required to grind down the tabs. Then the grille lifts out into 2 pieces. Once you do this, there is really no other way to mount an aftermarket grille than drill holes.

Mortgage Paul · January 5, 2003

What they need is a bed inner fender liner to stop all the crud from ending up all over the back lower part of cab and all inside and on top of the rear bumper.

Does anyone make one aftermarket(Dealers say nothing from them) Or can you fit one from another brand or from a older Chevy/GMC?

Dealer also said Chevy /GMC quit using them back in 91 and said they are in high demand but knows of no source.

Help!