Anti theft tailgate lock

[BigBrother-84]

ratdude747 wrote

The Pop&Lock one looks more promising since it's a wraparound... supposedly universal. Some reports of them not actually locking though... could be user error?

Larry, I confirmed that P&L doesn’t fit on our trucks… bought one, it’s a fail.

I studied the question from all sides and concluded that there is only one viable solution.

It’s a success, Big Brother’s tailgate is now secured.

Will post here the solution.
Stay tuned!

[BigBrother-84]

mat in tn wrote

[…] you can remove the pass side drop slot pivot and replace if ( in situ) with a driver side full pivot. It is a bear to do but its a bear to steal also.

Matt, you’re right in.
You’re proposal appears to be the only working one for our trucks.

Considering that I almost never pull off my tailgate, I decided to go this way.
Here are some picts, for those who would try it on their side.

The goal is to replace the passenger “slut” pivot by a driver “round” one.




Pay attention to get the right model.  I first bought a wrong one at my local salvage yard.
Different dimensions and diameter.
I found the right one at LMC.



Pulling off the “slut” pivot was easy (with the right Torx bit).
You have to pull out the tail light assembly first, in order to access the hidden screw plate (which will drop).


There are couple of holes in the body, and I found that the new “round” pivot (blue arrow) will not use the same than the “slut”one (red arrow).
The upper hole remains the same (green circle).


Also, the new “round” pivot looked a bit loose in the tailgate (for my taste).
So I decided to make it a little tighter by applying a foam tape (one side sticky, leaving the exposed side with its plastic layer).
The good thing is that it is also maintaining the pivot in place while manipulating the tailgate.



Putting back the tailgate at its place is really tight, I had to make some paint touch up, although nothing serious.
Here is the final result.





I was really proud about this anti-theft system, showing this “success” to my wife.

Who simply replied:
«So if I understand correctly, they can steal everything in the bed but, fortunately, your tailgate will be safe?
Nice…»

[Gary Lewis]

Well done, Jeff. I was pretty sure that’s what you were going to do.

As for the stuff in the bed, that’s why I have the bed cover and alarm system. They can open the tailgate but the whole country will know.

[grumpin]

Nice! I like it!

"I was really proud about this anti-theft system, showing this “success” to my wife.

Who simply replied:
«So if I understand correctly, they can steal everything in the bed but, fortunately, your tailgate will be safe?
Nice…»"

Hahahaha! Yes, success, they didn't get my tailgate!

[salans7]

Thanks for the pics! I will certainly do the same on my truck as I don't want to lose my tailgate to a thief.