[Chevymaybe23]

I was just beginning to warm up to being a new GM owner and came across this stupid $hit. I don’t like having more black plastic body cladding to clean and protect than necessary, so began removing these on my new high country and discovered the clip hole on the outside of the body! There is already three torx screws on the backside that seem to be more than adequate.

Does anyone know of a body matched plug that would go in here to fill the hole?

 

[Bradley21sanders]

Well I dont have any help for what to plug it with that would not stick out like a sore thumb. But thats stupid. Do that make a lower profile one maybe that would be a lot less noticeable? I havent looked
something like these maybe

 

[Chevymaybe23]

Yeah, they make a lot of round ones that are usually black or white you can find at the big box stores. I could always hit one with some spray paint if they make one for the slot. The small black piece you posted would be better. I could live with that.

 

[Chevymaybe23]

I think I found what I need. For $10, definitely worth a shot. Not going to be a perfect snap in but looks like I can make them work with a dab of adhesive and some spray paint.

Now to find some touch up paint to match!

 

[Chevymaybe23]

Decided to go ahead and remove the old man steps. Looks more like a truck now IMHO. I think I still need to lose the back mud flaps.

 

[04z71tx]

Those don't look too bad imo.

 

[Chevymaybe23]

These freaking things had FIVE screws holding them on and the ridiculous clip in the exterior body. In a salty environment I can see these things just holding a lot of grime and moisture around the body and leading to corrosion. Glad I got them off there.

 

[Chevymaybe23]

I found another plug option at HD. It’s a round plug and fit pretty good and would probably look like a backup sensor once painted and installed but I decided to try to trim it down for the rectangular look like the other plug but smaller. In the end it did not fit as flush so I stuck with the original impala trim plugs. I also found some nylon finishing style washers at my local ACE and “finessed” them into the slot to help hold the plugs nice and tight. Sprayed a coat of primer, GM Matched touch up paint and then clear coat.

 

[Mossyoakglock]

Do you have the number for the washer you found at ACE? I want to do something like this but haven’t found anything good.

They do make a mud flap delete but they are $150 and just cheap plastic that doesn’t fit well for what you pay.

 

[Chevymaybe23]

No, I don’t have the exact number or size. It’s in the pic on my workbench. They are in the the little cardboard hardware trays in any Ace hardware.

 

[Chevymaybe23]

Of course, right after finish my project I come across this info on another search. Here are color matched plugs, $17 CAD.

Truck Hardware - Truck Hardware Front Fender Plugs - Sterling Grey Metallic

 

[rhod3house]

Decided to go ahead and remove the old man steps. Looks more like a truck now IMHO. I think I still need to lose the back mud flaps.
View attachment 953622

Man thats a slick lookin truck. I just took the old man steps off last weekend with my stepdaughter, she loves being able to see the truck change. I'm in the market for some high-clearance matte black steps now, but I agree, taking them off makes it look more like a truck.

 

[Jus Cruisin]

I don't like the look of pontoons hanging off the sides of trucks but I need them so it's powered running boards for me. You'll get it when you get old. I miss having palm trees in my yard.... They don't do so well up in Michigan.