2008 Chevy factory tie down loops

[Weasel]

Anyone know if they can be easily removed? I have some e track plates I'd like to install in the same place. Was changing some tail light bulbs found a backer plate. It seems there are 4 spot welds on the backer plate which I'd rather leave in place and seems to be 2 pins that maybe connect to the loops. Can I drill out the 2 larger pins in plate and remove the tie down loops?

Picture incoming

 

[Weasel]

Pics

 

[dirtybird]

Why not just cut the loop off flush with the pillar?

 

[Weasel]

Yep drill them out and the loops pop off.

 

[Weasel]

Why not just cut the loop off flush with the pillar?

Plan on using the holes and backing plate for the new tie downs. But that was plan B.

 

[LeadfootCJ7]

Lets see the end result.

 

[Weasel]

waiting one some new hardware. Mac has usually very nice stuff but their tie down hardware for the tie down plates suck ass. They are Philips head countersunk stainless and super soft. I had 2 gall on my with brand new threads and one twist off. Also the screwdriver is coated in metal filings just from hand tools.

 

[Weasel]

Nothing fancy but loads better then what was there. Got the flat head hex screws from McMaster, normal grade 8 rating.

Reused one of the holes from the tie down loops and had to drill the upper and lower hole. The lower hole hits just inside of the factory packing plate.

and the piss poor supplied screws, yuck.