Installing tailgate cables when factory chains are shaved

[chevy_mike]

So my recent purchase of a '65 C10 found that the factory tailgate chains were shaved and some spring loaded pins held the tailgate closed. Problem was, they didn't have any method to keep the tailgate open and with the roll pan, you couldn't just let it swing down.

Using some ideas I found here and elsewhere, here is what I did. I found that the "Help" section at the local auto parts store had tailgate cables for a Ford F150/250 that measured about 23" long. This kit came with a pair of cables and what would be the bed side mounting bolts. These were stepped and had metric threads. Hummm... I need a mounting nuts on the bed side... what to do.

What I did was to take a flanged nut (metric to match the stepped bolts) and weld it to a fender washer.



Then I drilled a hole large enough, in the bed side, that would allow this nut to go inside the corner post.



Then I welded the washer to the bed corner and now have a place to screw in the bolt.



Some paint, a little Loctite and screwed in the bolt.





On the tailgate side, I used a mounting tab for an offroad light and cut the bottom so it was flat. I wanted to use this bent tab as it has more surface area to spread out the load.



A little paint and it's read to use



Bolt the cable on the bottom and the snap side goes on the stepped bolt up top and we have the tailgate floating in air...



Side benefit is, if I pull the tailgate off, I just unclip the upper cable and it will remove with the tailgate and only the two bolts will be left. This is how it sits with the tailgate closed.



Well, that's it for this project. On to the next one... Hope this is helpful for someone.

[fryer1979]

Very cool, and good thinking. I was contemplating doing this same thing to mine. Do you know if the spring loaded pins that hold your tailgate up are the same ones I see sold everywhere thare are said to be "for stepsides only"? Looking at the design I cannot see why they would be unique to stepsides, but was curious none the less.

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by fryer1979

Very cool, and good thinking. I was contemplating doing this same thing to mine. Do you know if the spring loaded pins that hold your tailgate up are the same ones I see sold everywhere thare are said to be "for stepsides only"? Looking at the design I cannot see why they would be unique to stepsides, but was curious none the less.

Thanks.

From what I can tell, they look like they are. What I noticed is that there is a bracket welded to the bed upright, that have holes in them, so the pins can lock into them. I'll try to get pics tonight and post up. Seemed straight forward.

[slepysal]

Nice job I did a similler set up on mine, but due to a lack of a welder I had to improvise.

[GGinferno]

Major props! Me like!

[SIR]

nice job... what I did was use the bolts that hold the door hinges on shave them slightly on the head and bolt the cable to the tail gate and shave the inside lip of the tailgate so the cable "disapers" when you close the tail gate....

[chevy_mike]

Nice work SIR. I was trying to figure out how to do that and it never dawned on me to cut back the inner lip. <smacks forehead>

I might have to change my setup down the road but for now, it will work.

[steverino66]

Originally Posted by chevy_mike

Nice work SIR. I was trying to figure out how to do that and it never dawned on me to cut back the inner lip. <smacks forehead>

I agree - that's really slick. I think Mar-K has a setup with metal scissor-type straps that uses the same idea. I ordered these for my stepside, haven't received them yet:
http://www.pros-pick.com/hiddenlatchkits.html

[hossmann]

i got those and put them in my 66 fleet my only concern is that any weight on the straps have alot of stretch in them

[Dan in Pasadena]

Sir,
What's the function of the tab with a hole in it right next to the bolt that's holding hte cabl on the tailgate? Does it HAVE a function or is it left over from before? NOr sure I understand using a "bolt that holds the hinge on"? Do you just mean a shoulder bolt? cause that's what it looks like.

[AzCountryman]

I welded up the chain holes on my truck but that was as far as I have gotten. Gate is held up with zip ties right now. Really would like to know how everyone keeps there tailgate shut that has a shaved tailgate. I see here that you have the spring loaded things that are for step side only....so I would suspect they work also for fleet side?

[lowlife1960]

Sir what length are your cables. I see this is an old post . Is it still open?

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by lowlife1960

Sir what length are your cables. I see this is an old post . Is it still open?

Info in my first post.

[TJ's Chevy]

Nice work Mike! Looks good!

[lowlife1960]

Originally Posted by chevy_mike

Info in my first post.

Thank you Mike but I was asking Sir. I am doing mine like his.
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