Chevy & GMC Vans

Hey guys I just ordered some taillight buckets and have looked around at some install pics. I have a question about where the right side filler butts up against the slider track trim panel. Do you weld it to the panel? doesn't it need to still be removable?

I welded mine to the slider trim piece and then the whole slider ,but guess it could be done to allow that piece to be removed. Think I'll go check and see and get back with you shortly.

Yep,,can be done to allow it to be removed or you could fill the whole thing an be done with it.

I made a new slider trim piece and welded it in, you can make up any length filler panel / piece that you need.

I fitted Cadillac tail lights as did Rebel, and we welded in our buckets like this.... Then I welded my two lower dutch doors together and "lost" those ugly hinges and the lower body-line.

I wish i could smooth it out completely like you guys, but unfortunately at this juncture that isn't an option. Van is getting lowerd now and taillight work starts net week. So i'll keep ya posted. thanks for the info/ pics.

Ok I have a few questions for you socalli I see you have the roll pan with the hide way hitch. Did you but the hitch that way or modify one to work with the roll pan? and second what did you use to cut the sheet metal for the cad lights?

I can help ya out on what Darren used to cut the sheetmetal,,it was an airsaw,,very nice tool that works very well for this. You still have to use a die grinder to round out the corners but not that big of a deal there. Can't remember what mods were done on his tag but ol Darren will chime in here shortly.

Ok so if I get the tail lights from a salvage yard do I need anything else to make this work like Darren did?
I found a site with stuff for this task and they show some sort of buckets? do I need these?

Yes.........the buckets are the framework that the tails are housed in and fastened to.

Check Darren's pic #4 on his last post,,you can see the edge of bucket sticking out past body line. He set the depth he wanted, tacked it in and then this extra is cut off to be flush with body.
FBI also has the buckets. If I ever did these again, I'd make the buckets, not much to them.