Dutch '59 Fleetside Longbed

[lower50's]

Nice job seeing the finish line get's really exciting!!

[RockinKees]

Originally Posted by lower50's

Nice job seeing the finish line get's really exciting!!

You're absolutely right!!

reaper71
Nice progress Kees!!
One step closer!

Mark

Thank you Mark!

Today I painted the inner side of the rear fenders for the last time, now the outside....almost ready with those parts
Finished the hood latch panel also, that will get some pinstripes (when I get my inspiration )

I started working on the tailgate.
I got a set tailgate link assemblies from an '87 and up Pick up.
The man said it wouldn't work with such an old Fleetside...
This is the set I got.



Here's what I've done so far:
First I put the tailgate at 90 degrees (open), ground the links apart from their latches and measured where the links had to come, a bit trail and error before drilling...
When the measurements were right, I first drilled the upper hole and put a bolt in it so it stayed in his place. Then I measured again to get the opening right.
Also had to ground a small piece out of the tailgate to get room for the links.



As you can see, these are bent at the end, that doesn't work with my tailgate, so, I took the bent out, welded it togehter and measured again...







After measurements were taken, I came to the conclusion, the pin for the link also won't work, it's too large. I took a bolt and made my own
It's stainless by the way



It may be not the nicest sollution, but it works for me





One side in, testing......



Yep, easy does it!!
Now think about some sort of lock....