[jonheld]

First let me say that it is an absolute pleasure dealing with Kevin. He's a great guy and has been very patient with me and my tendency to be a tad anal.

In any case I'm looking for a bit of feedback from those who have this product installed. I am looking at the more expensive latch option (no keys) and am not sure which finish to go with. I realize these questions may be somewhat esoteric, but please bear with me.

1. For those who have the nice SS latches: Can they be operated easily and securely by a 12 year old girl? I need to make sure that my daughter can access the contents (first aid kits, etc.) and lock it securely without issue.

2. I use the tailgate as a work surface for everything from packing wheel bearings to meal preparation. The kids also love to sit on the tailgate while eating on the trail. In your opinion, is the plain surface too slippery to place a beverage down on an angle and have it slide off? When kneeling on it do your knees want to slide? What about keeping it clean?

Any other comments are welcome on this as well. Thanks in advance.

[S.CarolinaFZJ80]

I'm curious as to how it affects the structural inegrity. Cutting out most of the top side has to limit it's weight carry capability somewhat. Does anyone know?

[Bearcat80]

Replacing the weak inside skin with an angle iron frame actually makes the tailgate much stronger.

[cody c]

I believe kevin now has a grippier finish on his stuff for canines and probally road pops.

[Garth]

Originally Posted by jonheld

my tendency to be a tad anal.

What about keeping it clean?

Bro, I just want to see some pictures of your Cruiser!

[GLTHFJ60]

Originally Posted by jonheld

First let me say that it is an absolute pleasure dealing with Kevin. He's a great guy and has been very patient with me and my tendency to be a tad anal.

In any case I'm looking for a bit of feedback from those who have this product installed. I am looking at the more expensive latch option (no keys) and am not sure which finish to go with. I realize these questions may be somewhat esoteric, but please bear with me.

1. For those who have the nice SS latches: Can they be operated easily and securely by a 12 year old girl? I need to make sure that my daughter can access the contents (first aid kits, etc.) and lock it securely without issue.

2. I use the tailgate as a work surface for everything from packing wheel bearings to meal preparation. The kids also love to sit on the tailgate while eating on the trail. In your opinion, is the plain surface too slippery to place a beverage down on an angle and have it slide off? When kneeling on it do your knees want to slide? What about keeping it clean?

Any other comments are welcome on this as well. Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by S.CarolinaFZJ80

I'm curious as to how it affects the structural inegrity. Cutting out most of the top side has to limit it's weight carry capability somewhat. Does anyone know?

I have one of the 1st gen lids that I've been using for almost 2 years now. It has the plywood lid, cheaper latches and original spray can bedliner. It is also on my 60, but the concept is virtually the same between the two.

I have abused the hell out of mine. I have cleaned transfer case parts on it, jumped up and down on it, dropped my H55 transmission directly on the center of the lid and it is perfect save a couple of scratches in the bedliner. Strength is not an issue, period.

Since my lid he has upgraded the coating on the frames from the spray on stuff to a powdercoating, which by nature is one of the most durable coatings out there. The lids themselves are now a very specific type of plastic that kevin sourced and is stronger than the plywood. You can also get the plastic lid with a dimpled face to gain even more traction. Whenever kneeling on it, my knees never slip, but I haven't tried that on the plastic lid, only my plywood lid.

Now comparing the 60 lid to the 80 lid, the 80 lid has significantly more steel in the frame. It is thicker than the tailgate's stock metal and makes a rigid tailgate that much more rigid, while providing storage room.

Cleaning to me is taking any cleaner you have lying around and wiping it off. Good to go. As for latches, I see no need to use the more expensive latches except for the fact that they are cooler. My plastic latches work great and, according to kevin, I keep too many heavy objects in my tailgate as it is.

Do it. You'll love the upgrade.

[Ebag333]

Originally Posted by jonheld

First let me say that it is an absolute pleasure dealing with Kevin. He's a great guy and has been very patient with me and my tendency to be a tad anal.

I actually got to meet Kevin at the last McGrew trail run. Standup guy, and does fantastic work. (And an amazing 60.)

When I get the funds together one of his lids is going in my truck.

[jonheld]

Originally Posted by GLTHFJ60

Do it. You'll love the upgrade.

No question about that. I am going to do it. I just want to be sure of a few things first.

[desmocruiser]

Isn't there an install thread in the 80 section?

[NLXTACY]

I have the locking Stainless Latches and the grip surface. LOVE IT! The grip is going to help with getting my snowboard boots on

[GLTHFJ60]

Originally Posted by NLXTACY

I have the locking Stainless Latches and the grip surface. LOVE IT! The grip is going to help with getting my snowboard boots on

Now you've gotta post up some pics!

[TrickyT]

Question to anyone who's got one of these on an 80: is there enough storage space inside to keep a spare rear driveshaft? It's certainly wide enough, but it's hard to tell without trying to fit one if there's enough depth.

More generally, what stuff do people keep inside their tailgate? I've seen pictures where folks put shovels and recovery gear, although personally I think you need to wheel with your recovery gear much more accessible. (ask beno why )