Got my delivery a few weeks back, finally had a chance last night and today to perform the installation and stow some gear in my new found utility space. First impressions - exactly what I wanted.
Not a criticism at all, I knew about this going into my purchase but worth mentioning again - the tailgate is now a legitimate item to watch out for. It's now HEAVY...."heavy" being subjective, to me just an opportunity to get a little workout in on occasion since that's not something I do much anymore. In all seriousness, once unlatched, this thing can easily drop hard with all the extra weight. Just something I need to ensure I'm handling instead of letting gravity take over. Not a concern but would want others considering this item to know in advance. Pics next.....
- Unboxed last night, very well packaged and pristine condition seeing it for the first time. The thing just "looks right"....
- Laid the template out, played for a bit with a measuring tape and figuring out tolerances and proximity of the tailgate lid latch rods (those which connect the lever which opens the tailgate to the tailgate locks on both sides) to finally realize there was nothing to worry about.
- Extension cords out, jig saw on the ready, damn it - no sheet metal blade (wood only). Project "on hold".....
- This morning, up before my wife and kids so went on a solo 45-minute jaunt through the forest. Nice ride, great way to start the day.....hit True Value and picked up what I needed to move forward.
- There's something unnaturally satisfying about cutting and getting into a project. Removal of excised sheet metal was easy and surprisingly fast. I honestly thought this was going to be a genuine PITA, not at all.
- Applied the last of the GT Mat I had laying around after the speaker install I did last year. The remaining bit I had turned out to be the perfect amount - truly turning out to be a good day.
- Thought hard about applying 1" wide weather stripping between the WagonGear lid and the tailgate metal itself, decided against it (glad I did).
- Bolts line up perfectly (a few are 1/16", maybe 1/8" off with a couple) with the original holes for the carpeted piece. Any deviations in the lid's holes and those of the tailgate were all well within tolerances to keep the bolts true and no goofy angles or difficulty at all.
- There are a few bolt/lock nuts that are tough to get started (allen head bolts through the top, lock nuts from underneath). Guys with meat-paws will definitely have a tough time getting some of these to engage simply due to limited space in corners and the top edge of the tailgate lid itself. Patience is your friend.....
Not a criticism at all, I knew about this going into my purchase but worth mentioning again - the tailgate is now a legitimate item to watch out for. It's now HEAVY...."heavy" being subjective, to me just an opportunity to get a little workout in on occasion since that's not something I do much anymore. In all seriousness, once unlatched, this thing can easily drop hard with all the extra weight. Just something I need to ensure I'm handling instead of letting gravity take over. Not a concern but would want others considering this item to know in advance. Pics next.....
