How to Install Additional Cargo Tie-Downs
DeeZee Part #: DZ97903
DeeZee Part #: DZ97903
Requirements:
- Skill Level: Anyone
Time: Hour or less
Special Tools: No
Things You'll Need:
- 10mm Wrench
Flat-head Screwdriver
Red Loctite
Dremel Tool w/ Plastic Cutting Disc
Wet Rag
Goal: To install cargo tie-downs in the truck bed, in predrilled holes, previously covered GM plastic concealers and Line-X Bedliner.
Before You Begin: When your truck was bone stock, sitting pretty on the car lot, it most likely did not have a bed liner. Instead, GM covers the pre-drilled holes in the truck bed with plastic covers that simply clip into the holes. (I went to the dealership to get the pictures below)
If you decided to have a Line-X Bedliner (or the like) installed, the shop most likely covered these plastic pieces with the liner to create an even finish.
The regular directions do not account for the spray-in bed liner, so additional steps must be taken in order to install the product cleanly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1:
Pick up a set of DeeZee Tie-Downs, and unwrap the package. Get an Idea of the size of hole you will be drilling, based on the width of the "feet" on the anchor (the one that is standing up in the picture)
Step 2: Unfortunately, the plastic cover installed by GM is wider than the edges of the tie-down, so simply cutting around the cover and popping the whole ting out is out of the question. You must remove only the plastic covering the hole in the metal, without cutting out the overlapping edge. Using a Dremel Tool with a cutting wheel (or a drill and sandpaper), begin cutting through the bedliner and plastic.
Step 3: Begin widening the hole uniformly until you begin to see metal. It is also useful to remove debris periodically along the way with your finger and/or a wet rag to ensure a smooth and even cut.
Step 4: Test the fitment of the hook. Make sure that you see metal all the way around the hole. Do not cut more liner than you have to.
Step 5: Once the holes are finished, remove the backing on the foam pieces, and stick them to the tie-downs. These will help to keep dirt from getting into the holes.
Step 6: Stick the bolt through the hole in the anchor, and begin threading the back plate. Keep the back plate horizontal.
Step 7: Place the assembly into the hole that you cut. Then, rotate the bolt 90* and pull the bolt toward you, so that the back plate fits snuggly into the "feet" of the anchor. The trick is to use the screwdriver the keep the bolt pulled out (providing pressure and keeping the back plate in place) while tightening the bolt with your 10mm wrench.
Step 8: After a few turns, the back plate will stay in place vertically, allowing you to tighten the bolt the rest of the way.
Congratulations, you have successfully installed strong and convenient tie-downs in the bed of your pickup truck.
Evaluation: Overall, I am very satisfied with the DeeZee Tie-Downs. I searched all around town and online to find the most "stock looking" accessory to install on my truck. I knew that I wanted something in the bed, not in the stake-holds on top of the rails. These anchors are very solid, look almost identical to the stock anchors, and will be able to handle anything that I will be hauling in the back of my truck. The rough black finish also blends well with the Line-X bed liner.
Conclusion: The product is great! I always hated climbing under my tool box to hook cargo straps, or having to remember to hook a strap before I filled the bed up. These are in an easily accessible location and will do exactly what I need them to do. I may even install another pair in the top back corners!