If you had to pick out the most annoying factory item on your old truck, what would it be? Vintage drivetrains and suspensions have a certain amount of charm and are fun on the right trucks. Air conditioning isn't a problem, just open the cowl vent. Even bias-ply tires have their place. What about the tailgate chains that have pinched many a finger and gouged countless paintjobs over the years? Yeah, that might be numero uno.
Sure, there are those plastic chain protectors that can trap water and moisture, possibly rusting your new chrome chains immediately. And the cheap sheaths soon split and unleash the chains to flail around on your nice tailgate while you roll down the highway unaware. Some eliminate the chains altogether and bolt their tailgate shut, but then have to carry tools just to raise and lower it-and just as soon as you do this you'll find another reason to open it right back up.
Well, MAR-K has come up with a solution to this age old problem-a tailgate with hidden latches and link assemblies for Flairside Fords. These tailgates are available for all Flareside trucks from '53-87. The tailgate comes with latches and link assemblies included and are available smooth or with louvers. All you need is an old Ford truck in need of a makeover, and the new tailgate kit from MAR-K. The kit includes everything you need to make the conversion. Included are the tailgate, the template for your bedsides, the link assemblies, the hidden latches, all the hardware, and complete instructions. For those who don't know, Mar-K designs and makes all their products right here in the U.S. of A. and has a great staff to help should you have questions
The only modification to your bedside is in the form of drilling two 5/16-inch holes, but of course you'll need to paint the new high-quality steel tailgate to match your truck if you have an existing paintjob. For those with an in-progress truck, don't wait a minute-call today! And by the way, they have these for stepside Chevys, too.
You have successfully installed your new MAR-K tailgate, latches, and links. Now disassemble the tailgate by removing the latches and links and remove the tailgate from the bed assembly. Prepare the tailgate for painting. After painting, reinstall the latches and link assemblies and be sure to use a good thread locking compound on the hardware during reassembly. See what MAR-K can do for your truck by checking out their web site.
