53 Tailgate rubber bumper strips
 

Installing the rubber bumper strips in my new gate today. I was at a show just now and saw them installed both ways. Now I am wondering if I had them right last time. Does the rounded part face inboard or outboard?

I am not familiar with the rubber strips as my gate had no sign of them and I haven't noticed them in the catalogs. Where did you get yours?

Same Quest? My 55 , which is the same box has no rubber bumper strip. Only bumper is on the chain latch.
Curious.
Fred K.

Dewayne, I was just answering the tailgate latch question and noted the lack of tailgate rubber bumpers on most trucks. I have tried these bumpers in every direction and have decided that the rounded portion should face the bedside. Otherwise, when the tailgate is closed, thebedsides are pulled in too far and past verticle. Does your gate have the little finger tabs on the outside edge? These will hold the rubbers just right once you press them in. Good luck, John :-tap

PS: I got mine from Sacramento Vintage Ford - $3

Thanks John, that's the way I had them last time.

Tom

The strips go in each side where the gate hits the bedsides. Just below the latches. You will notice two triangular punches in your gate on each side. You bend the tabs and they hold the strips in place. They usually get hard as a rock. If you don't use them you would surely have a rattle with the stock chain type latch. Not to mention paint loss.

I have seen them in many F100 catalogs.

Never noticed the 2 triangular punch marks in the gate before. They are there and will order the bumpers. The info is much appreciated.
Fred K.