Stolen Tailgates?
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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Stolen Tailgates?
Years ago, my father ran a Chevy dealership. They had to remove the tailgates from the new trucks because they were getting stolen. I seem to remember tooless tailgate removal back in the day. How does the tailgate remove from my 97 F150? It looks like you need to remove some Torx bolts. I'd hate to have to keep it locked, and unlock it everytime I want to toss something in the back.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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They are really easy to get off, and you don't need any tools. I can have mine off in probably 10 seconds. You just un-clip the cables, raise the tailgate until it is about half open, lift up on the right side until it pops out and then pull the left side out by pulling the whole tailgate to the right. Once you get used to it, it's really easy, and therefore really easy to steal I guess.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,735
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From: TX
Originally Posted by B_7700_4X4
They are really easy to get off, and you don't need any tools. I can have mine off in probably 10 seconds. You just un-clip the cables, raise the tailgate until it is about half open, lift up on the right side until it pops out and then pull the left side out by pulling the whole tailgate to the right. Once you get used to it, it's really easy, and therefore really easy to steal I guess.
Sounds like you're really good at this....and too familiar with it. Are you the Chevy tailgate snatcher? Dont worry, I wont tell
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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No, I just use my truck alot for landscaping and stuff like that. I find taking the tailgate off helps for unloading rocks and dirt and stuff like that. It's also useful when you are using a fork lift to load into the back, because with the tailgate off, the fork lift can get much closer to the truck.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,572
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You can slow them down by putting a SS hose clamp around the right hinge, put the head where its hard to turn. IE: would have to use an open end wrench. Epoxy the head if you don't plan on taking it off any time soon.
Last edited by Aftrmidnite; May 16, 2005 at 03:58 PM.
