Questions about installation of tailight guards.

[MattStarr]

I'm planning on getting a set of tailight guards by Manik. I looked at their website for the instructions, and it looks to me like the guards have to screws that go inside the liftgate doorjamb. But also, it looks like there is a screw that goes on the outside too. Does this go straight into the body? I really don't want to screw into the body.

Also, does anyone have a picture of tailight guards on their trucks? I would like to see what they look like and maybe if anyone else pics of the mounts for them, I would appreciate them. Thanks guys.

 

[yob_yeknom]

The hole you have to make will be behind the tail light. You won't be able to see it.

Let me know if you decide to get a set and how they look. I've been thinking of getting a set myself in the future.

 

[Wedgie87]

Ok well i have the same one you are thinking of getting. I will warn you that you will have to drill and tap the two holes that will be drilled into the body on both sides. Also you should be aware that the brackets (mounts) will need to be adjusted. IE bent up or down so the gate will clear when it closes. If you have any more questions please post them and i will answer, also post if you would like pictures of how mine fit.

 

[RFR2212]

Um, mine have two screws on the inside of the jamb but on the body is velcro... no screws, from the outside. And on the inside you can get away with drilling the 2 holes and use self tapping screws.

 

[MattStarr]

Im not worried about drilling inside the rear door jamb, but on the outside of the guard, (ie, the side where the gas tank hole is), how does that outside edge of the guard attach? Do you have any pictures?

 

[X~FACTOR]

2 screws on the inside, one screw on the outside to hold a plastic loop with a zip strap. Looks a little Ghetto but holds it in place very strong!

 

[MattStarr]

Is the screw on the outside drilled directly into the body?

 

[MattStarr]

Bump

 

[X~FACTOR]

Yes. I used the smallest screw I could find and drilled it about 1/8" from the edge of the lip.

 

[MattStarr]

I went to the manik website and read the instructions. It looks to me as if you remove the tailight, Put a self tapping screw in back there and it hold a little bracket that sticks out between the light and the fender. This is my interpretation of the instructions. Does this seem correct?

 

[karl_burns]

I don't have Maniks, but......

... I installed my guards only using the two self tapping screws (or maybe I drilled a guide.... can;t remember). THe point is, my instructions did not mention anything about securing the sides to the side wall/body of my truck. Whenever I go to the automatic car wash (during the winters to get all the salt/sand off) the rotating cloth things pull the driver's side guard straight out?!?! The passenger one is fine, but I always have to straighten the driver's side guard. Who'd have thunk it????
I may adopt your ideas of securing the guards to the side.

Karl

 

[X~FACTOR]

Can't tell you. I don't have a Manik. But I think it does not need a screw at the back because the 2 brackets in the front side are very stiff that it snaps back when you try to pull it away from the body.

 

[MattStarr]

Yeah, they arent my instructions, but let me find the link and I'll let you have a look for yourself and you can see if you want to secure them "my" way.

 

[MattStarr]

Here's the link

Manik Tailight Guard Installation Instructions

 

[MattStarr]

Another question... To me it looks like a bracket wont fit between the tailgate and the tailight. Is the bracket really thin? And how close does the door come to the guards when opening and closing the door? It looks like it would be REAL close. Thanks y'all

 

[X~FACTOR]

Very Close! I have a little scrape at the edge of the hatch and mine is pretty thin as it is.

 

[MattStarr]

But the bars on the guard itself, they dont hit?

 

[MattStarr]

Xfactor~ are yours custom made?

 

[X~FACTOR]

Nope. If it did that would REALLY be some serious damage.

 

[MattStarr]

Are your scrapes big? I dont want the d@mn thing to scratch then rust, ya know what im saying?