Video: TMI Products’ 1969 -72 Chevy Blazer/GMC Jimmy Bed Rail Caps

GM’s Chevrolet Blazer/GMC Jimmy was introduced to the public for the 1969 model year. These first-generation K5 Blazers and Jimmys (1969-1972) featured a “full-convertible” removable top. The removable tops were designed out of existence in 1975, when GM introduced a half-cab design that was deemed safer than the full-convertible top, making the first-generation Blazers even more popular with the public.

Decades later, these vehicles have become car show favorites, and the one drawback with owners and fans is the unfinished look of the bed rails when the top is removed. TMI Products has created the perfect solution for that issue with its bed rail caps for 1969-1972 Blazer/Jimmy. There are also kits available for the second-gen (1973-75) Blazer and Jimmy with the full removable tops.

The design of the bed rail caps offers a clean fit and finish that adds very little height to the bed rail. There is a slight sloping radius at the end of each bed rail that leads to the tailgate, so the project looks like it was designed from the factory that way. In the past, we’ve seen fabricators that have designed similar bed rail caps. But most of those showed an odd elevation change between the rails and the tailgate. TMI’s bed rail caps eliminate that completely.

The best rail caps are an easy, breezy installation that only requires a socket, ratchet, and maybe a small extension. The kit comes with a left and right bed rail cap, some foam tape, and enough 1/4-inch bolts, nuts, and washers to secure the cap to the bed rail.

The only side note we have is the bed rail caps should be pre-fit before painting. You don’t want to have the caps sent out for paint only to discover some minor adjustment has to be made to make it fit properly. Remember, these are fifty-year-old vehicles that have some wear and tear.

The install is pretty simple and straightforward. Begin by cutting the foam tape strip into two-inch sections. Place these under each bed rail with the foam sections spaced evenly. Then place the bed rail cap over the bed rail.

Using the existing holes designed to secure the bed top to the body, use the 1/4” bolts, nuts, and washers to fasten the bed rail caps down to the bed rail. Tighten from underneath. There should be six per side. Once the nuts are snug, the installation is complete.

For more information on this or the other products from TMI, visit them online at www.tmiproducts.com.

More Sources

About the author

Bobby Kimbrough

Bobby grew up in the heart of Illinois, becoming an avid dirt track race fan which has developed into a life long passion. Taking a break from the Midwest dirt tracks to fight evil doers in the world, he completed a full 21 year career in the Marine Corps.
Read My Articles

Hardcore Chevys in your Inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Chevy Hardcore, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Chevy Hardcore NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

We'll send you the most interesting Chevy Hardcore articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Chevy Hardcore NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


streetmusclemag
Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
dragzine
Drag Racing
enginelabs
Engine Tech

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • streetmusclemag Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • enginelabs Engine Tech

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

chevyhardcore

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Chevy Hardcore - The #1 Performance Bowtie Online Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading