No tailgate chains- then what?

[SeanPaintsFlames]

I got one of those hidden tailgate latch sets from Brothers. (these) Now that I can cut those two rusted metal messes off the back of my truck, how do I keep the tailgate up when its open? Are newer-styled cables usually used, or what? If there was a sprung coil of wire sort of thing that would tuck somewhere and recoil itself when closed, but then pull out and hold the tailgate when open, that would be awesome. Much like an extension cord reel like this.

[ChiefRocka]

Well, you could use the scissor type off of the newer style trucks...or get the cable removeable type from the new trucks as well.

I hear you on the retractable ones, that would be cool.

You know, my wifes '57 wagon uses hidden cables on the gate, now that I think about it.

[fchava]

Originally Posted by SeanPaintsFlames

I got one of those hidden tailgate latch sets from Brothers. (these) Now that I can cut those two rusted metal messes off the back of my truck, how do I keep the tailgate up when its open? Are newer-styled cables usually used, or what? If there was a sprung coil of wire sort of thing that would tuck somewhere and recoil itself when closed, but then pull out and hold the tailgate when open, that would be awesome. Much like an extension cord reel like this.

http://http://www.horkeyswoodandparts.com/ bruce horkeys sells a few different choices. I used these


you can also just get cables off a newer truck.

[SeanPaintsFlames]

100 bucks for those cables? Owweee! I think I'm going to rob a pair of cables and bolts from a totalled f150 at the shop and see how they would work out.

Those Bruce Horkey bits are nice, though, no doubt.

Someone make the retractable cables and I'll buy them.

[SIR]

measure your chains and go to your local parts store and get a set of these,you may have to modify the ends a bit ,also you must trim the inside of the tailgate so they will fold in properly,this requires welding and grinding of the inside edge.....

[badriand]

Sir those look at little more sturdy than the other added. I sure would hate to be sitting on the back of that thing then snap. Both look nice i must add.

[lyrikz]

Originally Posted by badriand

Sir those look at little more sturdy than the other added. I sure would hate to be sitting on the back of that thing then snap. Both look nice i must add.

I was going to say the same thing, i want to be able to sit on my tailgate still...

[fchava]

Originally Posted by lyrikz

I was going to say the same thing, i want to be able to sit on my tailgate still...

They are stronger than they look, believe me I still use my truck as a truck. They were also much cheaper when I bought them , I think 79.95. Nothing wrong with what Sir has though, he has one sweet LB

[MAR-Ktech]

Mar-K makes a folding link system that works pretty well for these trucks. http://www.mar-k.com/58-66FTGlinkassy.pdf . It does not require any modification to the bedside except removal of the pivot bolt and bracket, which you probably have already done. The nice thing about it is when the gate is shut, the link is hidden inside the end of the tailgate.

How do you engage that plunger latch into the bedside? That area at the top of the fleetside bedside is pretty open and the plunger won't reach to the sheet metal. We make similar latches and supply a separate bracket for the plunger to slide into.

Mar-Ktech

[SIR]

...a small nut drilled out to the same diameter as the latch and tack welded in place...simple.

[slepysal]

I used a smimilar set up as sir. I went to pick you part and got the cables and top bolts off of a F150. total cost $7.00. I drilled and taped were I wanted them and just use a bolt/ nut to secure it to the original eyelet on the tail gate. I dont have a welder so I went this route. I will try to post some pics .

[SIR]

....just one more note,the bolts on the tailgate are "fine" thread, and just happen to be the same size as the bolts that attach the door hunges,(look close) I just trimmed a small amount off so it would not hit the body when closing it up...the other end is standard thread....

[protrash64]

heres mine........kinda inbetween jchava and SIR......

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Originally Posted by MAR-Ktech

Mar-K makes a folding link system that works pretty well for these trucks. http://www.mar-k.com/58-66FTGlinkassy.pdf . It does not require any modification to the bedside except removal of the pivot bolt and bracket, which you probably have already done. The nice thing about it is when the gate is shut, the link is hidden inside the end of the tailgate.

How do you engage that plunger latch into the bedside? That area at the top of the fleetside bedside is pretty open and the plunger won't reach to the sheet metal. We make similar latches and supply a separate bracket for the plunger to slide into.

Mar-Ktech

Nice kit, looks very easy and sturdy too

[SeanPaintsFlames]

I'm not too hot about cutting through the welds on my brand new tailgate just for these f150 cables... I like that piece of bar welded to the backside of the gate for the cable mount. I hadn't thought of that. Hmmm...

Anybody design some retracting-into-the-bedpost cables yet?

[ChopperDr]

Cut the tailgate to hide the cables, don't leave them flopping in the bed. I figure if you are not going to hide the cables when the gate is up, why bother? You could use late model Chevy cables if the Ford thing bothers you. I looked them up on the Schucks site, about $14 a side. I need to do some measuring and cutting, then I'll prob go that route.

Chopster

[SIR]

...as far as "retractable" cables are concerned,take a look at the cables on 55-57 "nomad's" we put a set on a "57" pickup "stepside" worked out well ...but it took some thinking and work...

[Frizzle Fry]

Here's what I did before I went off the deep-end with the 61. These are from a newer trailblazer. It woked like a champ...

[Frizzle Fry]

Also, Cameo's had the retracts:

[SeanPaintsFlames]

Heck yeah! I need those cameo cables.

It wasn't so much the Ford vs Chevy thing, it was the huge cable needing me to cut off the pinch welds.

I was looking around home depot yesterday trying to get some "inspiration" for the retractable cable thing, and the closest thing I could find was a pair of measuring tapes. I was thinking about dissecting them and using the springy parts, but then I figured: I'm not customizing anything else body-wise on the truck, why am I spending so much time on something hidden when I never open my tailgate anyway. I still don't have a fix, but I don't think I'm going to go overboard on building something. If I could find those Cameo cables, though...

[SIR]

...danchuk.com, #1058...#221...look at windows & doors