Tailgate stolen :(
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 633
Likes: 0
From: Graham TX
I am not going to do any name calling, however I don't buy that in this post
he wasn't trying to act like someone else, since he referred to himself as 78Vette he had to have known his name had changed and was hoping we would think he was someone else agreeing with 78Vette.
he wasn't trying to act like someone else, since he referred to himself as 78Vette he had to have known his name had changed and was hoping we would think he was someone else agreeing with 78Vette.
Last edited by birddog_61; Jun 15, 2011 at 01:45 PM.
Global Moderator &
Senior Member
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 26,080
Likes: 85
From: Burleson/Athens/Brownsboro, TX
I am not going to do any name calling, however I don't buy that in this post
he wasn't trying to act like someone else, since he referred to himself as 78Vette he had to have known his name had changed and was hoping we would think he was someone else agreeing with 78Vette.
he wasn't trying to act like someone else, since he referred to himself as 78Vette he had to have known his name had changed and was hoping we would think he was someone else agreeing with 78Vette.
Now I'm telling you and anyone else slinging the labels "stupid, idiot" and the like get off of it and move on. You're acting rather childish.
__________________
Jim
Jim
Sorry you lost your tailgate, I HATE THEIVES!
Suspended
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,657
Likes: 0
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,031
Likes: 45
From: The Shenandoah Valley
My '77 does not have an easily removable tailgate, you have to open it and remove two bolts and hinge piece to get to it. They weren't stolen often.
My '07 does have a removable tailgate, Ford gave the truck buyer something else he wanted. With ease of removal comes ease of theft. Something laying on a table is easier to steal than somethind nailed to the table.
You have the option of buying the truck with a locking tailgate or putting your own lock on it. Unused locks do not lock anything.
These are all simple truths.
My suggestion, if you are worried about theft, if you are too rushed to lock it, if you don't forsee the need or desire to remove the tailgate often, use a stainless steel worm drive hose clamp on the right side.
If by chance, that's too easy to remove for your liking, if you seek something more "secure", more "permanent" .... wrap a piece of 3/4 wide X 1/8 thick steel around the right side hinge of the tailgate (remove taigate to size it),
cut to length so it butts itself,
reinstall tailgate,
spread your new wrap,
apply in place,
clamp closed,
spot weld either side of clamp,
remove clamp,
finish weld,
paint.
Sleep worry free.
My '07 does have a removable tailgate, Ford gave the truck buyer something else he wanted. With ease of removal comes ease of theft. Something laying on a table is easier to steal than somethind nailed to the table.
You have the option of buying the truck with a locking tailgate or putting your own lock on it. Unused locks do not lock anything.
These are all simple truths.
My suggestion, if you are worried about theft, if you are too rushed to lock it, if you don't forsee the need or desire to remove the tailgate often, use a stainless steel worm drive hose clamp on the right side.
If by chance, that's too easy to remove for your liking, if you seek something more "secure", more "permanent" .... wrap a piece of 3/4 wide X 1/8 thick steel around the right side hinge of the tailgate (remove taigate to size it),
cut to length so it butts itself,
reinstall tailgate,
spread your new wrap,
apply in place,
clamp closed,
spot weld either side of clamp,
remove clamp,
finish weld,
paint.
Sleep worry free.
Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
My problem thinking is of you make it harder for them to steal it then they will just steal your truck haha... I am going to have to look at mine. Right now I cant visualize where the hose clamp or tie wrap would mount... I am guessing it will jump out at me when I go take a look...
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Resolution
So -- I have a new tailgate (looks good !!)
A few interesting notes:
-Damn thing was $5,300 to replace @ dealership
-~$900 was just the step assembly. Robbery.
-~$800 was the Platinum "plate" on the back... crazy.
-The girl at the dealer said they're trying to be more proactive and let everyone know about the uptick in thefts when they buy new trucks. They sell the locks @ the dealership now.
From the police:
-They got 3 in my neighborhood the same night.
-They got 9 total in our "area" that night.
From the insurance agent:
-He had written 46 Platinum/King Ranch tailgates since ~March. Said it would happen every now and then prior to that - but started like a flood then.
-He had no clue how many had been stolen in Houston area - but he's amazed because he is just one adjuster. No telling how many have been stolen...
-He claimed he'd been working as an adjuster for years and Houston and knows a heck of a lot of parts dealers - nobody seams to know where they're going - they are NOT on Craigslist or whatever in these numbers.
-FWIW, it was Allstate and the guy was awesome. No questions asked - and was extremely helpful with follow-up calls, etc.
Overall - a crappy event.
Thanks --
A few interesting notes:
-Damn thing was $5,300 to replace @ dealership
-~$900 was just the step assembly. Robbery.
-~$800 was the Platinum "plate" on the back... crazy.
-The girl at the dealer said they're trying to be more proactive and let everyone know about the uptick in thefts when they buy new trucks. They sell the locks @ the dealership now.
From the police:
-They got 3 in my neighborhood the same night.
-They got 9 total in our "area" that night.
From the insurance agent:
-He had written 46 Platinum/King Ranch tailgates since ~March. Said it would happen every now and then prior to that - but started like a flood then.
-He had no clue how many had been stolen in Houston area - but he's amazed because he is just one adjuster. No telling how many have been stolen...
-He claimed he'd been working as an adjuster for years and Houston and knows a heck of a lot of parts dealers - nobody seams to know where they're going - they are NOT on Craigslist or whatever in these numbers.
-FWIW, it was Allstate and the guy was awesome. No questions asked - and was extremely helpful with follow-up calls, etc.
Overall - a crappy event.
Thanks --
I dunno how other dealers are, but I often throw suggestions out that I notice would be helpful to my dealership while getting service, etc. and they are rather receptive to it. I will mention the locking tailgate/key fob idea next time I go in, and if anyone else's dealership is like mine, then speak up! That is the easiest way to bring about positive change.
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Northeast PA
Sorry for getting off topic. I, for one, would like to have a tailgate locked from the keyfob, but until Ford does that I will just continue to use my key. Not a big deal.
