Alternate to tailgate chains, what did you use?
#1
Alternate to tailgate chains, what did you use?
New scratch built truck bed is moving along and I have to decide what to use for the tail gate hardware. I will be using the factory style stainless lower hinge mounts but cant decide to stick with chains or something else the gate up top.
What have you guys used to clean up the look of the top of the gate?
What have you guys used to clean up the look of the top of the gate?
#4
#5
The special bolt that is on the truck bed came from a junkyard, Ford Truck. I made the reinforcing brackets and plates that are on the outer surface of the tailgate and on the outer surface of the bed to accept/spread the load or weight on the tailgate.
Unfortunately it is difficult to see the brackets and plates in the only other photos that I have since they are body colored. The whole idea however was to make the reinforcements disappear. The plates are made out of 1/8' stock with 90 degree bends for added strength. The reinforcements are not welded to the bed or tailgate.
When positioning the marine clasps you want the latch to come over center so that it will not inadvertently pop open on a bumpy road. It is touchy to get them just right.
Edit: I should add that the right angle mount on the inside of the tailgate that the bed end of the cable is attached to is a piece of 1/4" SS bent at 90 degrees.
In short all brackets I fabricated.
Your bracket will be slightly different since mine is a 49 bed/tailgate.
Unfortunately it is difficult to see the brackets and plates in the only other photos that I have since they are body colored. The whole idea however was to make the reinforcements disappear. The plates are made out of 1/8' stock with 90 degree bends for added strength. The reinforcements are not welded to the bed or tailgate.
When positioning the marine clasps you want the latch to come over center so that it will not inadvertently pop open on a bumpy road. It is touchy to get them just right.
Edit: I should add that the right angle mount on the inside of the tailgate that the bed end of the cable is attached to is a piece of 1/4" SS bent at 90 degrees.
In short all brackets I fabricated.
Your bracket will be slightly different since mine is a 49 bed/tailgate.
#6
Hey Dave,
Here is a thread from a while back where Drewski & others outline
different approaches.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...latch-kit.html
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
Here is a thread from a while back where Drewski & others outline
different approaches.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...latch-kit.html
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
#7
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#11
Dave, my latches are home made. Tapered steel rod inside the top roll with springs behind it. For chains, I used standard hardware store chain, inside the bed, with clear plastic tubing over it. You can sit on the tailgate without fear of breaking the chains. Not as fancy as some, it was inexpensive and looks OK.
#12
I know how I'm doing my tailgate straps and latch now.
#13
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Stepney
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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04-01-2018 02:58 PM