Fleetside tailgate support solution needed - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Foot Stomper · 06-10-2018, 11:43 PM

I've decided to go with Mar K hidden latches for the tailgate on my Fleetside but am wondering how these cables might work.
Any suggestions are welcome. How did you support your Fleetside tailgate in the down position if you aren't using stock chains?
Images are NOT mine.

**mr48chev** · 06-11-2018, 01:21 AM

The only thing I can see that might possibly be an issue with those is that you may end up having to tuck them in when you close the tailgate. Other than that they are clean and simple.

Foot Stomper · 06-11-2018, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr48chev

The only thing I can see that might possibly be an issue with those is that you may end up having to tuck them in when you close the tailgate. Other than that they are clean and simple.

That's exactly the problem... not a big one, but a problem nonetheless.
It seems the solution might be to trim a little off the gate to allow room to tuck them in.

Looking for other suggestions, but pretty sure the trimming will start soon.

1project2many · 06-12-2018, 07:28 AM

It looks like the biggest issue is making sure the ends of the cable don't line up when the gate is closed. If you don't allow any "wiggle room" for the ends of the cable to twist then they almost have to try and loop when the gate is closed. It may be helpful to move the truck end of the cable forward. This will allow the cable to loop without trying to fold.

Very poor photo edit attached:

OrrieG · 06-13-2018, 12:29 AM

Those pics are mine. You need to trim a little off the tailgate to allow the cables to "nest" next to it when closing. I also found I needed to weld up one side of the hinge trunions to get the alignment right. On a stock tailgate the bed piece goes thru the tailgate to align the top.

06-10-2018, 11:43 PM	#1
Foot Stomper Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 1,252	Fleetside tailgate support solution needed I've decided to go with Mar K hidden latches for the tailgate on my Fleetside but am wondering how these cables might work. Any suggestions are welcome. How did you support your Fleetside tailgate in the down position if you aren't using stock chains? Images are NOT mine. Attached Images __________________ So when is this "Old enough to know better" supposed to kick in? My 1959 GMC build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=686989

06-11-2018, 01:21 AM	#2
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,705	Re: Fleetside tailgate support solution needed The only thing I can see that might possibly be an issue with those is that you may end up having to tuck them in when you close the tailgate. Other than that they are clean and simple. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

06-12-2018, 07:28 AM	#4
1project2many Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Lakes Region NH Posts: 3,200	Re: Fleetside tailgate support solution needed It looks like the biggest issue is making sure the ends of the cable don't line up when the gate is closed. If you don't allow any "wiggle room" for the ends of the cable to twist then they almost have to try and loop when the gate is closed. It may be helpful to move the truck end of the cable forward. This will allow the cable to loop without trying to fold. Very poor photo edit attached: Attached Images Last edited by 1project2many; 06-12-2018 at 07:43 AM.

06-13-2018, 12:29 AM	#5
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Fleetside tailgate support solution needed Those pics are mine. You need to trim a little off the tailgate to allow the cables to "nest" next to it when closing. I also found I needed to weld up one side of the hinge trunions to get the alignment right. On a stock tailgate the bed piece goes thru the tailgate to align the top. Attached Images __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project



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