Looking for 5th Tailgate
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
I think it depends on the pin box location. Our last 5er had the older style Atwood 72*angle assembly tucked well under the front. I could not hitch nor walk behind with the gate open. It was a several step project in and out of the truck to hook up. The new 5er with the extended pin box - easy to do both, but I also now have a 5th wheel tailgate which is even better yet.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 6
From: Alabama
As mentioned, I suspect that those of you who have sufficient space to do this probably have an extended (length) pin, at least compare to my FW.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Alabama
REF this pic: I like how the steel is signed and will ask my welder if he can do something similar (my initials and last four of ssan) to my tailgate, a way of identifying it if stolen. Of course a thief can grind it off but it'll leave tattle tale marks and the refinishing would likely be different. Here's the news article that brought this to my attention: LCS 10 and Gabrielle Giffords: With christening, ship gets a name 'synonymous with courage' | AL.com
GG has an incredible story of survival.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3,391
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From: Altamonte Springs, FL
Both apply in my case.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Alabama
Late this AM I went by the welder and my tailgate was ready. I asked about signing it and he said no problem; I chalked it in and he (using a wire welder) went over it. It doesn't look as good as I hoped but it is perfectly acceptable as an identifying mark.
Next I went by the powder coat place - and I must be charmed. He said pick-up will be Thursday morning, price $50.
Next I went by the powder coat place - and I must be charmed. He said pick-up will be Thursday morning, price $50.
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Brett Foote
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Sounds like you have moved right along.
I am too busy to do more than plan mine at present. One thing I had considered is welding a frame and then covering it with aluminum panels so the panels give it part of its strength. Then I could paint it to match my truck. Just playing around with ideas.
I am too busy to do more than plan mine at present. One thing I had considered is welding a frame and then covering it with aluminum panels so the panels give it part of its strength. Then I could paint it to match my truck. Just playing around with ideas.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
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Likes: 6
From: Alabama
One thing I had considered is welding a frame and then covering it with aluminum panels so the panels give it part of its strength.
Why not just make the frame stronger? If you accidentally step a foot on those alum. panels they won't survive, nor look pretty.
Why not just make the frame stronger? If you accidentally step a foot on those alum. panels they won't survive, nor look pretty.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Alabama
I had no clue what a powder coat would cost but I knew if push came to shove I could either use a conventional body shop OR use a can (or three) of rattle can paint. I wouldn't have flinched if he said $100 but beyond that I would have inquired with a body shop towards estimating/working on it.
And at this business this is NOT what they primarily do. They build plasma cutters and similar type equipment, but they do their own powder coating and so have the equipment and skills. So they'll fit me in around other real jobs.
And at this business this is NOT what they primarily do. They build plasma cutters and similar type equipment, but they do their own powder coating and so have the equipment and skills. So they'll fit me in around other real jobs.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
[QUOTE=Army RET;15418905]
Just to want to try something different. Not an issue of strength. I have sheet aluminum around for body panels and can spray paint so it is not very difficult.
Sounds like you have moved right along.
One thing I had considered is welding a frame and then covering it with aluminum panels so the panels give it part of its strength.
Why not just make the frame stronger? If you accidentally step a foot on those alum. panels they won't survive, nor look pretty.
One thing I had considered is welding a frame and then covering it with aluminum panels so the panels give it part of its strength.
Why not just make the frame stronger? If you accidentally step a foot on those alum. panels they won't survive, nor look pretty.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
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Likes: 6
From: Alabama
I spoke with the powder coat guys today, and they said they had to order my "shade of black" so now it won't be ready until Friday - Monday.
They had super duper glossy black and widow flat black. No in between.
Oops, I didn't know the pic was that large.