tailgate chain removal
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 340
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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?
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
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From: Riverside, So Cal
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...
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...
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 340
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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.
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.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 369
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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
For $30 it might be worth trying. If worse comes to worse you throw them up on ebay and get some money back.
Let us know how they work if you choose to buy them. Thanks - Brad
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 340
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From: Longwood, fl
cheap latches
am planning to order today and give them a shot. Also I noticed the Midwest Early Ford catalog has the Stainless steel radiator overflow tanks cheaper than anyone I have seen, polished stainless, 45$ all lengths.... will keep you posted
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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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 
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 340
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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.
Cargo Master
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.
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.
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