12-Apr-2015
Bending the catch rods
A little persuading with a big hammer knocked the tailgate catches into the shape that I needed.
12-Apr-2015
Bent stainless rods
I used some 5/16" stainless steel round stock for the latches to hook to.
12-Apr-2015
Test fit of the catch
After numerous fitting and bending I welded the catches to the mounting plates.
12-Apr-2015
Latch brackets complete
After bending and fitting the rods for the catches, I welded them complete.
12-Apr-2015
Tailgate catches installed
After fitting, welding and adjusting, the tailgate catches are bolted to the body.
13-Apr-2015
Catches installed
I added the strengthing rod as a gusset because of the constant pull from the latches.
20-Jun-2015
Tube flare plates laid out
After making patterns for the rear flare plates, I transferred them to the 1/8" cold rolled plate.
20-Jun-2015
Front flare plates
After adding these front plates for my tube flares to my front fenders, it will help to stiffen the front fenders and prevent any more cracking since so much material has been removed from the fenders.
27-Jun-2015
Front tube flare plates and tubes
After cutting and fitting the front plates, I bent the front tubes form 1.25" DOM tube.
27-Jun-2015
Front tubes bent and cut
After bending the front tubes I cut them to fit and fine tuned them for a nice tight fender hugging fit!
27-Jun-2015
Rear tubes bent
I bent both of the rear tubes. Now it's time to mount the plates, cut the tubes to size, and weld them in place.
30-Jun-2015
Transferring mounting holes
After laying out the mounting holes to each plate I transferred the holes to the body. I then drilled and tapped the body to accept the 5/16 -24 bolts. I previously installed some material behind the fenders to be able to drill and tap.