Tail Gate Support Rods

Honestly I never knew these existed till I saw an ad someone wanting to buy, my truck does not have and just assumed that the chains held the tailgate in the open position.

I'd like to look into this either making something or seeing if an existing part can be retrofitted as a winter project.

I need some detailed pictures of the rod, the upper and lower attachments and some dimensions. Or if anyone has already attempted? 

Anybody care to help?

Marq,
Could you just adapt a set from a '64-'72 F100? LMC Truck sells them. They are made of flat strap. I haven't tried it, just a thought.
Jim

These would be easy enough to fabricate. Rod diameter is 5/16th. Shorter piece is 12" and the longer is 14." The slotted end goes into the tailgate and the s-curve end feeds into a hole in the post just under the latch tab. The two pieces easily come apart, with one threading through the hole in the end of the other.

This one is from a '65 pickup. I assume other years are the same.

Were the rods a replacement to the chain and hook or an accessory?

Looking at my truck there are some holes in side of the tailgate and the bed but does not look like anything was ever attached?

The rods were standard on all years. One end slots into the post and the other into the gate.

Ted Johns had been making them for a while,, more tail gates for people to use them may make it worth while to make them for sale. Perhaps another "why doesn't some one make those" stories

Chain and hook were to latch the gate in the closed position,, the rods were to keep it from dragging or hitting things,,,
vic

Are the ones that are currently made for sale in pairs? I was just asked by someone looking at mine if I knew where to get any. Thank you!

I was under the impression that no one was making them anymore? are you looking for just one?
Vic

Old Skool wrote: I was under the impression that no one was making them anymore? are you looking for just one?
Vic

I thought maybe the person mentioned above was making some that are in the photo.

I was approached last week when I bought my 1965 Eco Truck from someone looking for a pair. I don't know them, seemed very nice and gave me his phone number so if the one pictured are being sold I was hoping to get a price to pass on.

Thanks!

I have five or six tailgates and some rods,, will look at what I have,,, the ones Ted had been making were actually pretty easy to make,,
vic