Recall Notice!!!!!!!

A heads-up for Silverado owners of the year 2000 to current. I just received a recall notice stating that the Steele cables that hold the tailgate in the horizonal position are experiencing rust problems and breaking with excessive pressure causing damage to the tailgate and potential serious injury to self. Give it about a week for dealers to stock up on the new cables before inquiring about this recall. DAVE

Mine snapped last 4th of July while three friends were riding on the tailgate out on the ranch. Dealership replaced them, but not with the new rust resistant cables. My cables were less than a year old and didn't show any signs of rust, so look out. Luckily all but one person stood up as the cables failed and the silverado badges prevented any paint damage.
Jeb

This problem extends well beyond the scope of the recall. Many earlier models have the same problem. My 99 for one.

what years are included in this recall, i just bought a used 2000 z71 but it still has the old cables on it.

I put stainless steel VRstraps (http://www.VRstraps.com/) on my 2500HD. These won't break... :)

http://thumb8.webshots.com/s/thumb2/2/17/88/121921788GeNaEV_th.jpg

I know this is off the topic but WGP, how do u like your Retrax Roll Top. Have u had any problems with it? I want to get one but want to make sure their worth the money.

I know this is off the topic but WGP, how do u like your Retrax Roll Top. Have u had any problems with it? I want to get one but want to make sure their worth the money.

I'm very happy with the Retrax. I had a Pace Edwards on my 98 K3500 Dually Crewcab and it was nice but the Retrax is even better. It operates very smooth with the sealed roller bearings and the only place I have noticed any water leaks is at the tailgate but these are minor and infrequent. It's also easy to install - no drilling. The only problem with any roll-top is that they can freeze-up in the winter. If you are looking for a Roll-Top The Retrax is the best choice (IMHO). :)

I just came from the dealership (Got my 6000 Mi. oil change, Mobil 1) and over herd some one talking about it. The official recall will go down in the third quarter of 2004, like august. If you go to the dealership they will not replace the one you have, they don't have them ready yet. All they want to do is let you know that there is a problem with them and not to stand on your tailgate or put a lot of weight on it. Because the cable may break. They will replace them if they are broken but only with the same defective kind. Its a hit or miss kind or thing. They will replace them all when the official recall comes out in around august. I don't know what years this covers I didnt ask.
Hope this clears some things up.

Whats the use of having a tailgate if you cant stand on it or sit on it?? Hell, thats what I use mine for mostly..to sit and chill out. Plus as a workbench..etc...

No doubt, might as well not have a truck if you can use the tail gate. I wounder what the difference in the cable is?

I put stainless steel VRstraps (http://www.VRstraps.com/) on my 2500HD. These won't break... :)

http://thumb8.webshots.com/s/thumb2/2/17/88/121921788GeNaEV_th.jpg


thats my plan to get those thanks WGP for the link for those puppys

Just got the recall from Gm today. Basically the galvanized steel tailgate cable may corrodeor weaken and fracture. The exact quote about the recall is as follows:
"When parts are available, your Chevrolet dealer will replace the galvanized steel tailgate cables on your vehical with stainless steel tailgate support cables. Of course, this service will be provided at no charge. Until stainless steel support cables can be installed .... don't sit, stand...on the tailgate .....

As parts cbecome avaiable we will send you another letter asking you to take the truck to the dealer etc....

Anticipated schedule later this summer.