"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
10/11/2019 at 21:58 • Filed to: The continuing adventures of Truckie
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"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
10/11/2019 at 21:58 • Filed to: The continuing adventures of Truckie | 3
| 3 |
In the last few weeks, my tailgate had developed the habit of randomly dropping down as I drove. I managed to nurse one of the latches back to life with some white grease, but it was a tenuous hold at best. So, I ordered a complete rebuild kit for the mechanism. Including new hinges and cables.
I found lots of rusty bits.
The seam sealer on the driver’s side is starting to fail.
The original hinge pin on the passenger side was trapped by the replacement bedside I had installed by the El cheapo body shop many moons ago. I’m sure I could have pried it out, but elected to say screw it, and only replaced three of the four original hinge parts.
Aaaaaaaaaaaand the mounting tabs on the passenger side taillight housing disintegrated. If you look closely at my top shot, the tail light is held in place by packing tape. I ordered a new pair off eBay for $85.
FryGuy says it broke because we were drunk.
t least the tailgate works well again, and is nice and secure. All in, with the new tail lights, it’ll be a $200 repair. Not too bad. It’s pushing 14 years old now . The rust is really starting to take a toll on the old girl though. That kills me .
Kiltedpadre
> shop-teacher
10/11/2019 at 22:58 |
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I’m surprised the mounting tabs made it this long. Mine failed about 5 years ago on my 2006. Oddly enough the passenger side failed first for me too.
I actually need to check my tailgate because instead of falling it is getting harder to get to open.
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shop-teacher
> Kiltedpadre
10/12/2019 at 08:08 |
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This is only the second time in their life that they have been removed. Every single bulb on this truck is original, except for two. I replaced the passenger side turn signal bulb which a few years ago, and the housing came out no problem. This spring I had to replace the driver’s side brake light bulb. One or the mounting tabs broke on that one, but I deemed the one plus the locating pins that slot into the quarter panel to be good enough. Actually, no, the passenger one must have been removed one other time, when the right side quarter panel got replaced years ago.
But yeah, every other bulb on this truck is original, including the dreaded DRL bulbs. I can only assume this is the result of some sort of voodoo/witchcraft/sorce ry. The front light housings are getting foggy, but I don’t dare touch them, for fear of angering the gods.
My tailgate handle works much easier now. It was not a difficult or expensive job.
fryguy
> shop-teacher
10/12/2019 at 13:48 |
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Last day today for Sprecher Root Beer at Menard’s for $2.88.
