Well, now that my tail gate got stolen last week, and a new one is being prepped by the local body shop, I guess I'll take measures to try to prevent losing my new one. Beside the tailgate latch lock (Which I never used!) I understand that there are somekind of clips that you can install to prevent it being removed. Anybody know of anything?

 

there is one spot that you can ziptie that will help....or so i have heard

 

who steals a tailgate....thats rediculous...did you get footed with the bill or does insurance cover that sort of thing?

 

I guess it's a pretty prevelent theft. Easy to remove, and usually the first thing damaged in a rear end accident. Never thought much about it! Insurance covers it, AAA. None to be found from salvage hotlines, so they are building a new one from all new parts from the Ford dealer. I'm covered but its still a pain in the ***........

 

if you do a search you can probably find the exact thread that mentions the clip but I'm pretty sure it's just like a hose clamp that they have used. I could be way off with this though.

 

When mine was stolen in my neighborhood I was pissed and was mouthing off about kicking some azz.

I just let it go when I heard the guy who stole it was using it for a belt buckle.

 

One interesting side note to this. The police told me that body part thieves (Chop shops) are using computerized data bases. They case neighborhoods, noting address, vehicles and color. Enter it into their laptops, then steal 'em as they need 'em!! It's big business.......

 

I would say locking it would be much more effective than the clips they are talking about...the clips will just slow them down a little. Dont think for a second if they are pros they dont know the clip trick and how to get around it quick...locking it however will slow them down enough they will probably just leave it alone. Not to mention they would probably have to damage the gate to get it unlocked...and they dont want a damaged gate.

 

Obviously, locking it would help......as I say, I never thought much about it until now. I found some clips that might work, along with some proprietary fasteners, and a little tack from my TIG.......unless it get's damaged or something, I'll never take it off anyway...
http://www.jimmijammer.com/Product,%20GK.htm

 

My brother had a truck before i ever bought mine and when i bought my truck he was standing next to me when they handed me the keys and the first words out of his mouth were "always lock the tailgate". Iv'e never forgotten that piece of advice.

It's huge business for thieves to steal the tailgate and maybe even sell it on ebay or a body shop for about half the price. Might be even kinda funny if someone gets their tailgate stolen and they buy back their own tailgate off ebay.

 

I never thought about locking my tailgate until I noticed how many people on this forum had reported their tailgates being stolen. Now, I lock it all the time. The "gatekeeper" may not be a bad investment. If you end up getting one, let us know what you think about it

 

I think you're thinking about the bed extender... which, again, is a hot item to snare and sell on ebay.

 

 

Actually, what I think they're talking about is putting a zip tie or radiator clamp around the right hand (passenger) side pivot at the base of the tailgate. This is the side that lifts out first when you go to remove (or steal) one. If you do this, the potential thief will have to cut the zip tie or unscrew the radiator clamp before the tailgate comes free. Although not 100% effective, it does slow them down.

 

Big zip tie or better yet a hose clamp on the passenger side hinge will keep it tied down.