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Home >> GMC >> 2003 >> Safari Van Cargo, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 785 (Exterior Trim) >> Repair Instructions >> Molding Replacement - Liftgate Upper >> Removal Procedure

Removal Procedure

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  1. Open the liftgate window.
    2. Fig 1: High Mounted Stop Lamp Fasteners
    GM800629Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  2. Remove the fasteners retaining the high mounted stop lamp.
  3. Lower the liftgate window.
  4. Remove the high mounted stop lamp. Refer to HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP REPLACEMENT (UTILITIES) or HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP REPLACEMENT (ESCALADE) or HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP REPLACEMENT (ESCALADE EXT) or HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP REPLACEMENT (AVALANCHE) .
    5. Fig 2: Liftgate Applique Fastener & Window Frame
    GM1397212Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Remove the fastener retaining the liftgate applique (1) from the liftgate window frame (2) on the left and right side.
    6. Fig 3: Liftgate Applique & Liftgate Window
    GM1397277Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Remove the liftgate applique (1) from the liftgate window (2).
    1. Heat the outside of the applique (1) using a heat gun. Hold the heat gun approximately 152 mm (6 in) from the surface. Apply heat using a circular motion for approximately 30 seconds throughout the perimeter of the applique.
      2. IMPORTANT: Be careful not to scratch or chip the paint.
    2. Peel the applique from the outer surface of the liftgate window using a plastic, flat-bladed tool.
    3. Remove all adhesive from the liftgate window using a 3M Scotch Brite molding adhesive remover disk, 3M P/N 0751 or equivalent.
    4. Clean the liftgate using Varnish Makers and Painters (VMP) naptha.


  1. Clean any remaining adhesive from the window surface using Varnish Makers and Painters (VMP) naptha.
  2. Wipe the surface with a clean cloth to removal all traces of cleaner.
  3. Ensure that the surface of the liftgate in the tape contact area is clean and dry.
  4. Using a clean dauber, apply adhesion promoter to the window surface where the adhesive strip will contact.
  5. Peel the backing from the adhesive on the liftgate applique.
    6. Fig 1: Liftgate Applique & Liftgate
    GM1397277Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Lower the front edge of the liftgate applique (1) against the liftgate (2) surface approximately 2 mm (0.08 in) above the liftgate offset.
    7. IMPORTANT: Do not let the tape surface contact the liftgate surface until after the part rotation.
  7. Rotate the liftgate applique (1) down over the top of the liftgate window (2).
  8. Press the liftgate applique (1) to the liftgate window (2).
  9. Hand roll the liftgate applique to the liftgate window in order to ensure proper adhesion.
  10. Install the high mounted stop lamp.
  11. Open the liftgate window.
    12. Fig 2: Liftgate Applique To Liftgate Window Frame Fasteners
    GM1397212Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE .
  12. Tighten the fasteners (1) securing the liftgate applique to the liftgate window frame (2) on the left and right side.

    Tighten:  Tighten the bolt to 5 N.m (44 lb in).

  13. Install the fasteners retaining the high mounted stop lamp. Refer to HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP REPLACEMENT (UTILITIES) or HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP REPLACEMENT (ESCALADE) or HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP REPLACEMENT (ESCALADE EXT) or HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP REPLACEMENT (AVALANCHE) .
  14. Close the liftgate window.
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