Got rid of the chains

Discussion in '1947-1954' started by mobileortho, Jul 4, 2012.

  1. mobileortho

    mobileortho Member

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    I've been wanting to get rid of the tailgate chains for awhile now. Stumbled across a set of Ranchero hinges for $1 on Ebay so I figured I'd play aound with it to see how they'd work. The hinge on the left is what it looked like after I shortened it. After alot of trial & error, here's the end result.
     

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    Last edited: Jul 5, 2012
  2. Kens 50 PU

    Kens 50 PU Member

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    Sweet! How does it attach at the top and how do you release it?
     
  3. mobileortho

    mobileortho Member

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    I'm using a set of Perko lockable latches I found here.
     
  4. SinclairChevy

    SinclairChevy Member

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    Great job! Looks slick.

    Damon
     
  5. Raz76

    Raz76 Member

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    Good job but I personally like chains better.
     
  6. ccharr

    ccharr Member

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    Thanks for those photo's Robert. I really like the look of no chains on the tailgate as the newer trucks have. But also like the old school with the chains being stainless steel, and the way I was taught to hook the chains
     

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    Last edited: Jul 5, 2012
  7. Blueflame236

    Blueflame236 Member

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    Chains + exstra secure latch

    Mobilortho

    This is a very good idea , but i also would keep the chains. Its fully posseble to have both as a double secure when transporting long goods in the back . Old Mazda pickup trucks have these latches aswell. What truck does your latches come from?

    Martinius.
     
  8. Lakeroadster

    Lakeroadster Member

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    Slick. I never have liked the look of chains either.

    I used some universal tailgate cables from O'Reilley's. They have a spring that allows the cable to be removed from the bed so the tailgate can hang straight down:
    [​IMG]

    And some $6.00 rubber latches from Speedway. The nice thing about the rubber is it elastic enough to eliminate the tailgate rattling against the bed:
    [​IMG]

    Basically the same concept as yours, just a little different implementation, on a little later design truck:
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2012
  9. mobileortho

    mobileortho Member

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    I wanted a cleaner look and also to eliminate paint damage from the chains rubbing back & forth. I don't plan on hauling anything so that's not a factor.
     
  10. Zig

    Zig Member

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    I love it, and your problem solving approach! Great solution for those who don't want chains!
     
  11. Zig

    Zig Member

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    I like the stainless, Charles, but~

    Aren't you afraid those chains will ruin your paint job? :D
     
  12. ccharr

    ccharr Member

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    No, when I drove the truck into Hudspeth County, Texas and back to Ventura County, California, I never seen where the paint got chipped at all, that is why the chains are Stainless Steel. :D
     
  13. My51

    My51 Member

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    I also like the look of chains and I used Stainless. What I did to protect the paint was to buy the 3M clear protecter and stuck that where the chains would rub.
     
  14. Blueflame236

    Blueflame236 Member

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    Chain hoses give some protection !

    Added sleeves around the chains and they protect fearly anough !
     

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    Last edited: Jul 9, 2012
  15. GrandpaGlenn0

    GrandpaGlenn0 Member

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    When these trucks were new, they all had protective sleeves like these.
     
  16. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    Like To See.....

    All this ' out of the box ' problem solving .

    If my chains didn't rattle , I'd worry the tailgate had fallen off.... :D
     

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