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.