jayco Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 This is the tailgate on my old '88 Ford pickup. If you're familiar with this model of truck, you may already know that the tailgate latches for these were notorious for breaking prematurely. Needless to say, I hadn't had the truck very long when I pulled too hard and snapped the potmetal latch like it was glass. I intended to replace it with a regular latch, until I discovered they cost $40 (This was back when $40 meant something money wise) Anyway, I replaced the broken latch with these two curved handles made from 1/4 in. round. Pull on the left hook........it releases the right side... and vice-versa. It's a great conversation piece as well, when I go to the feed store or lumber yard, I'm the only one knows how to open it! Anyone else ever modify your vehicles? James Flannery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philip in china Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 When in UK I had a Land Rover. They are all different and heavily customised. So we always look at each other's vehicles. I was looking at one on the road where I worked. I noted his tow hitch was the same as mine, then that he had the same aluminiumn plate on the wings. It was fully 5 minutes before I realised that I was looking at my own vehicle. I had driven in rather than taking the train. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MooseRidge Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 My truck has a similar issue with the tailgate.... but I just push back against it and reach in and flip the sear by hand..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 my tailgate has a dent in it where I hip bump it to latch one side. The back bumper also has a side that is a bit rumpled as my daughter backed into a post with it, (new driver), and I made her help remove it from the truck and bring it into the shop and use the screwpress to straighten it back out. Could have probably made it almost perfect but as I told her "The truck is 18 years old and is used by a blacksmith, cosmetics are not worth the time" Bumpersticker: yellow and black stripes and "Weird Load" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welder19 Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 My Chevy has a problem with the latch also but I am able to reach in and squeeze the levers to open it, it's good since no one else can open it so if I have anything in the back that requires the gate be open to get it out I don't have to worry about anyone steeling it, not only that but it's the little things like that which give a truck that " it's my truck" feeling, you know the little flaws that you come to love about a good truck. There's not much more important than a good truck in life. welder19 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nett Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 I have an '88 Ford too, but my tailgate is still in fine working order. The only fault I ever had with that truck was the paint job. After about one year, the paint started peeling off. Ford paid for the new paint job but wasn't happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donnie Posted June 2, 2008 Share Posted June 2, 2008 I have a 96 Chevy truck. Like everyone else my tailgate is a pain in the hind quarters. In my not so humble opinion, the chain and hook on the 50& 60 model tailgates worked just fine.;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdent Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 I had an '88 also. Tailgate worked ok for me. Got a little rusty, but ran great when we gave it to our pastor about two years ago. I really miss the staight six and granny low stick. Didn't do any smithing mods to it, but it hauled anything I threw at it without a wimper. Take care, Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chyancarrek Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 Here's my ol 1950 3/4 ton Chevy doing what she does best . . . Planning on doing a bunch of woodwork and forge work elements to it and turn it into my "go to market" ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 Not moving? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chyancarrek Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 Thomas . . Working for a living. That's what I love about old iron . . . just a little attention and they keep on running. Put a ton of rock in her a few months ago - settled down on the springs and it drove better than when she's empty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don A Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 Love that Chevy. Mighty nice. Looks a lot better than my '86. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chyancarrek Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 Thanks Don! I've had it for about 12 years - didn't have to do much - freshened up the brakes and a 12v conversion - after that, just regular maintenance stuff. The pic is over-flattering - she's got plenty o' scars and warts but overall really solid. Later in the day the pic was taken we pulled the rest of our hay from the field. I put it in granny - fastened a bungie from the steering wheel to the clutch pedal, hopped out and walked beside her loading bales as she chugged along. The kids who were helping us load got quite a kick out of it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphonse Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 I still have and use my 1986 Ford F-150, That I bought NEW, and just about everything on it has been replaced but the tailgate handle! SEE HOW WE DON"T COUNT OUR BLESSINGS! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveh Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 i just picked up a 1985 3/4 ton Ford with a 1 ton rear end and flatdeck.she needs a little TLC,but there is good rubber all around.now i dont have to cut my steel in short lengths to put in my trunk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayco Posted June 15, 2008 Author Share Posted June 15, 2008 That old '88 Ford with the funny tailgate handle has 216,000 miles on it.......nothing done to the engine in all those miles, and still runs good. I also have an '80 model 3/4 chevy pickup with 350.......79,000 actual miles.........but it LOVES GAS! Lately, the chevy stays close to home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferrous Beuler Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Here's my ol 1950 3/4 ton Chevy doing what she does best . . . Planning on doing a bunch of woodwork and forge work elements to it and turn it into my "go to market" ride. Oh my, she shore is purdy...:cool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chyancarrek Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 Thanks Dan! She's been a good ol' girl that I can always count on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptree Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 My blacksmith's truck is a 1972 Chevy Camper Special, C-20 Custom DeLuxe with 89K original miles. The Camper Special means it is really a 1 ton in sheep's clothing. 1 ton axle and leaf springs on a '72 mean C-30 in most cases:) I have pulled a 7000# trailer load with little trouble. It also had a forged dragon with spread wings and a BarBie doll riding the on the shoulders as a hood ornament. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptree Posted June 18, 2008 Share Posted June 18, 2008 My blacksmith's truck is a 1972 Chevy Camper Special, C-20 Custom DeLuxe with 89K original miles. The Camper Special means it is really a 1 ton in sheep's clothing. 1 ton axle and leaf springs on a '72 mean C-30 in most cases:) I have pulled a 7000# trailer load with little trouble. It also had a forged dragon with spread wings and a BarBie doll riding the on the shoulders as a hood ornament. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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