On the back door of the truck ...

One of the six bolts that hold the spare tire bracket to the door fell out today. I am guessing this bolt mates with a nut on the inside, underneath the inside door panel. Can anyone confirm this? Also, any suggestions for removing the panel without destroying something?

Thanks,

 

I'm 99% sure there are bolts on the other side. Removing the cargo door panel can be done with a flat head screwdriver, I just wrapped the end with tape. You could also invest in a panel popper. If you rub near the edge of the panel you can feel where there plastic friction bolts are located. Gently pry on each side of the bolts until they come free. I broke a couple of the orange bits that are on the door during removal, but the panel holds fine. Don't break too many of them though!! There's also a moisture barrier (a piece of plastic) that you will need to cut to get access to the bolts for the tire carrier. I made slits in the plastic (instead of holes) that can be taped over when you are through. Here's a pic I used as reference when installing the cb antenna. The red lines show where the slits were made in the moisture barrier.

[IMG]local://upfiles/7793/8DF654EF111442519562DD48FB28D3CB.jpg[/IMG]

 

Thanks. I'll try that. I think I want to replace all six bolts with stainless - the one that fell out was pretty badly rusted. I'll see what I find when I pull the panel.

Bob