Notices
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

tailgate chain removal

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 10, 2006 | 02:54 PM
  #1  
joe hoffman's Avatar
joe hoffman
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Longwood, fl
tailgate chain removal

Looking at a set of latches from Early American for about 30bucks that eiminate the need for the stock tailgate chain and associated latching bs. They are made of stainless steel and look in the catalog to be all you need to secure the tailgate without spending 100bucks or more. Has anyone used these?
 
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2006 | 03:40 PM
  #2  
Randy Jack's Avatar
Randy Jack
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
Club FTE Silver Member

Joe -

I am not familiar with the product you describe. Normally, the gate has to be restrained by something (chain, cable, stays, etc) and also latched. The stock chains serve as a latch also, but I haven't seen any other system do that. Gotta link to these? Are you sure these things latch and restrain?

Interesting...
 
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2006 | 04:11 PM
  #3  
propane32's Avatar
propane32
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: walnut cove,nc
tail gate latch

i have the higher priced ones from mid fifty they pull the sides tight to the tailgate i like them part# 0260 at 68.50 a pair
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2006 | 05:36 AM
  #4  
joe hoffman's Avatar
joe hoffman
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Longwood, fl
midwest early ford catalog

Hidden Tailgate Latches
part number 7c-8344457-ss
page number 91 from the catalog
they do not however have check straps to keep the gate horizontal when down $30.00 a pair.
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2006 | 05:41 AM
  #5  
joe hoffman's Avatar
joe hoffman
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Longwood, fl
same for less

looked on the mid fifty site and found the latch replacement for 68$. Looks like the same thing Midwest Early Ford has for 30$.
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2006 | 06:36 AM
  #6  
svooom's Avatar
svooom
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: Rochester, NY, USA
I've been looking at these too. In the Midfifty catalog, they have a cheap latch option but mention that it doesn't "turn the corner" and doesn't hold the bed together very well. I don't know what that means, but the latch from Midwest looks similar to that one.

For $30 it might be worth trying. If worse comes to worse you throw them up on ebay and get some money back.

Let us know how they work if you choose to buy them. Thanks - Brad
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2006 | 06:40 AM
  #7  
joe hoffman's Avatar
joe hoffman
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Longwood, fl
cheap latches

am planning to order today and give them a shot. Also I noticed the Midwest Early Ford catalog has the Stainless steel radiator overflow tanks cheaper than anyone I have seen, polished stainless, 45$ all lengths.... will keep you posted
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2006 | 10:21 AM
  #8  
propane32's Avatar
propane32
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: walnut cove,nc
tailgate chains

the cheaper ones only holds the tailgate closed the higher priced ones also will pull the sides against the tailgate to eliminate the rattle mid fiftys also have the cheaper one for 28.50 if you will look at the pictures you will see the difference they mount different
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Jan 11, 2006 | 10:49 AM
  #9  
joe hoffman's Avatar
joe hoffman
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Longwood, fl
Cheaper Is Better?

Have ordered the 30$ set from Midwest. According to there rep if installed properly they will cinch the tailgate close to the bed which should prevent any rattling. Well see if not can always turn the around.
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2006 | 09:22 PM
  #10  
kdmcinnes's Avatar
kdmcinnes
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 828
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, Indiana
I've got stock chains but ordered them in stainless, I love them and havent had the chain issues yet-Give me some time. HaHa

Kyle
 
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2006 | 04:07 PM
  #11  
49willard's Avatar
49willard
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
Getting rid of chains on a 49

Has anybody changed over a 40-50 bed from chains to other tailgate support and latches? I know that a number of you have cone this on the later trucks/beds. Any pix in gallaries?

I am working the bed right now. I just finished installing a replacement steel bed floor-original style-about 125 spot welds.
 

Last edited by 49willard; Jan 13, 2006 at 04:10 PM.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
fordhauls
2009 - 2014 F150
5
Jun 11, 2017 01:10 AM
New To Ford
1957 - 1960 F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Sep 5, 2016 01:33 PM
Fyrfyghtr
1957 - 1960 F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Aug 17, 2016 06:08 PM
New To Ford
1957 - 1960 F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Mar 6, 2016 12:46 PM
bassn1
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
23
May 14, 2010 11:14 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:18 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE