Neato tailgate mod

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Spook50

Spook50

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Feb 16, 2005
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Finally made for a sturdy surface to stand on!

Checkerplate.jpg


My only complaint is that I used 3/16" steel instead of 1/4" steel. My tailgate was so deeply bowed after years of being stood upon while loading roof racks and carriers that it's even putting a slight bow into the steel plate that's on there now. Far less noticeable though, which is good.

Oh yeah, and nutserts kick ass :grinpimp:
 
Looks awesome but i want something that won't scratch everything I put in my car... I'm half and half on which way to go.

What did it cost you for the setup?
 
Randy88FJ62 said:
Looks awesome but i want something that won't scratch everything I put in my car... I'm half and half on which way to go.

What did it cost you for the setup?
Click to expand...

The sheet of steel was $65, the nutzerts came from a large bag of 'em that I bought a long time ago, so I can't remember how much those cost, but I also had to buy an installation tool for $45 from McMaster-Carr. Bolts and washers were cheap; steel ones from Lowe's.

I love the utilitarian look to it.
 
I do agree that it looks good and strong as well.
 
Rigger said:
Maybe he leaves the lower gate down then closes the upper gate?
Click to expand...

Bingo.

That's the only reason I can't justify getting ambulance doors too. They'd be cool as all hell, but just not practical for me.

Trapper, that looks like it'd be perfect to fill with stolen MREs...
 
Trapper50cal said:
Or purchased ones
(if you're not in the service)

also good for tow straps, axes, jack handles, fluids, spare birfs, tools, ammo, just about anything.
Click to expand...

Very true. I'm liking that idea. I wonder how sturdy they are to stand on...
 
Quote from Kevin

Quote from the producer in response to that very question:

The plastic lid is strong enough for you and a couple of your friends to jump up and down on

its like quarter inch HDPE Plastic now or something
 
Nice job, mine used to look that shiny!

I did the same thing about 8 years ago on my 60 with a piece of aluminum diamond plate. I had a sheet metal shop cut it to the shape of my carpet panel. Maybe $80 in "Year 2000" dollars. It's real nice & it's held up really well. I installed mine with Wellnuts, which have a rubber piece that compresses in the hole. They are cheap, and only require a screwdriver to install. Jacknuts are metal and do the same task as well.

I believe I saw a nutsert type tool at the local Harbor Freight a while back for real cheap. Might have to pick one of those up.

The aluminum is softer and lighter than the steel, if anyone's concerned with that. I've had no issues with scratching anything, just be conscious of the metal.

It definitely helps for getting to the roof rack. I had one of those "AHA!" moments one day while trying to load the roof. I dropped the tailgate, lowered the hatch window and stepped on up! This configuration is also useful for carrying long loads of lumber locally. Less stress on the lip of the tailgate, as it's down.
 
:clap:
I love tailgates!
I've seen ones with smooth stainless on them as well, thats a nice clean look, it would be nice with a sheet of plastic as well, or maybe some of the rubber diamond plate for a softer feel, but that wouldn't do anything for strength.

And Trapper, it's 1/2" HDPE. :D I don't fool around.
 
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