Removing tailgate

CoachBoone · 06-30-2004, 09:01 AM

Does anyone know the best way to remove the tailgate? Bolts or hinge? This is going to be done to facilitate a cosmetic fix.....to fix a dimple dent that I whined about in an earlier thread. If I lay the bed flat and place enough drops of touch-up paint into the dimple, I COULD fill it just enough to be level with the line of the tailgate panel.

Nr1 Qualifier · 06-30-2004, 09:10 AM

Open the tailgate, lift up enough to unhook the side cables then
move the tailgate up where it's about 1/3 open. Lift the right
side of tailgate to disengage the cam then slide the gate a bit
to the right to disengage the left side. It's a heavy sucker so
maybe two would make it easier.

CoachBoone · 06-30-2004, 09:14 AM

I THOUGHT there would be an easy way using those cams, but I couldn't find any literature. My boy. mcq, said we should start removing bolts and I was like "Whoa there, young buck!"
Thanks for the info!

z3axv · 06-30-2004, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nr1 Qualifier

Open the tailgate, lift up enough to unhook the side cables then
move the tailgate up where it's about 1/3 open. Lift the right
side of tailgate to disengage the cam then slide the gate a bit
to the right to disengage the left side. It's a heavy sucker so
maybe two would make it easier.

make sure you put a dropcloth or something on the bumper in case it slips when you're removing it. Don't want to scratch the tailgate.

CoachBoone · 06-30-2004, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by z3axv

make sure you put a dropcloth or something on the bumper in case it slips when you're removing it. Don't want to scratch the tailgate.

AGAIN! LOL!
Believe me, we'll have drop clothes everywhere within a 20 foot radius of our work-space!

Nr1 Qualifier · 06-30-2004, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoachBoone

I THOUGHT there would be an easy way using those cams, but I couldn't find any literature. My boy. mcq, said we should start removing bolts and I was like "Whoa there, young buck!"
Thanks for the info!

You know it's too easy and those who would like to have your
tailgate know it also. I put a pipe clamp around the cam so the
tailgate can't be lifted out without removing the clamp. If you
position it in such a way as it can only be loosened or tighted
from the bottom, it might make a thief think twice about taking
the time to get your tailgate off - once he figures it out that
is.

CoachBoone · 06-30-2004, 09:36 AM

Makes think to lock the tailgate whenever I'm out 'n about.

z3axv · 06-30-2004, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoachBoone

Makes think to lock the tailgate whenever I'm out 'n about.

I always keep mine locked. One reason is theft prevention, or deterrence. Second and more important is my young children. I don't want them to try and open the tailgate and get whacked on the head when it drops down.

Nr1 Qualifier · 06-30-2004, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by z3axv

I always keep mine locked. One reason is theft prevention, or deterrence. Second and more important is my young children. I don't want them to try and open the tailgate and get whacked on the head when it drops down.

That would make an interesting survey on this Board. We've had
surveys on color, model, garaged etc so why not a thread like "Is
your Tailgate Locked Right Now" and just have a yes/no answer.
It would be interesting and I'd venture to say that it may be close
to 50/50. I try to keep mine locked at all times but I know right
now it's not. I did some hauling this morning and just haven't
re-locked it. I don't know how to do the survey format but maybe
someone who does know will make one up.

titanfan · 06-30-2004, 02:56 PM

How do you take off the tail gate?

Nr1 Qualifier · 06-30-2004, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by titanfan

How do you take off the tail gate?

See reply #2 on this thread

pciley · 06-30-2004, 06:58 PM

I added power locks to my KC XE.

It would be interesting to see how easy it would be to wire an additional power lock actuator in the Tail Gate to unlock and lock with the remote, so that the TG is always locked when the alarm is armed and the other doors are locked. I did this to a friend's compact truck that had rod locks, I know our TG is cable style, but the doors weren't too bad. I would put a 'quick disconnect' at the right hinge to unplug easily for removing tailgate.

Another project idea, when the tailgate was opened, the alarm could sound if you put a small mercury switch or 'hood pin' style switch inside during the actuator install.

BigRedTitan · 06-30-2004, 07:21 PM

I also try to keep mine locked. I do sometimes forget to lock it after I have hauled stuff. After this Saturday, I won't have to worry about this anymore. I'm getting an ARE LSII tonneau put on. It overlaps the tailgate, so it can't be opened with the lid closed. The lid will always be locked to keep my stuff from "taking a walk". They have the option to connect the keyless entry on the truck to the lid lock, but at the tune of over $200, I decided that I could just use the key.

rrumaner · 06-30-2004, 08:47 PM

I always keep mine locked. I figure it will take someone extra work to steal the bed divider or lower tray off the end of the truck if they have to jimmy the lock first.

FRD ETR · 06-30-2004, 09:16 PM

Can't say that I've ever locked mine, but then again I'm the guy who leaves the keys in the ignition.