Oh no.....

[Caman96]

I was thinking the parts on the bed sides not the tail gate itself. I guess I should explained better.

The problem is the piece mounted on the passenger side tailgate has the slot. Both the tailgate pieces would need the driver’s side unslotted piece.

You must be registered for see images attach

Unless I’m not understanding what you mean.

 

[smdk2500]

The problem is the piece mounted on the passenger side tailgate has the slot. Both the tailgate pieces would need the driver’s side unslotted piece.
Unless I’m not understanding what you mean.

Your right they both would have to be replaced. In my mind it was just the bedside part that was different. I wasn't thinking of it as a whole assembly.

 

[Caman96]

Your right they both would have to be replaced. In my mind it was just the bedside part that was different. I wasn't thinking of it as a whole assembly.

Could still be done though.

 

[1911tex]

Reading through this I had a thought. Would it be possible to replace the one on the passenger side with one from the drivers side? I know it would be a pain to get bolted back on and would have to go though the pain every time you have to remove the tail gate. I haven't looked at the way they bolt up so it might not work. I can't remember the last time I took my tail gate off.

smdk2500: I thought of your way before the post #26 here. The male hinge part on the bedside has a peculiar shape as seen again in post #26, photos #1, #2, #5. I believe it can be flipped over, although the male rectangle would be reversed. Either way would satisfy my tailgate security problem right after my friend had his GMT400 tailgate stolen.

My reasoning for my post #28, FWIW; 1) No effort to purchase another hinge twin of the drivers side...which is not a big deal; #2 it only took several minutes or so to simply drill the screw hole using a pre-small bit, then the correct size bit to fit the screw as seen in photos #3/#4 (or as Caman96 stated...he would prefer a bolt, which I believe should work as well); #3, I did not want to chance "at the time", that the off shape of the bedside hinge may or may not work. I don't believe it would be any difference either way to remove the bedside male hinge in order to remove the tailgate in the future. Either way is a new method that would disappoint a thief who can't afford the time to discover why he cannot steal your tailgate..... which is a good thing! From my understanding, a typical tailgate theft takes less than 10 seconds with no noise and minuscule effort.

smdk2500: Good thinking! If you succeed in your way, it would also be a great (to me another more secure) alternative for forum members to secure their tailgates. Have fun and great luck!

 

[Caman96]

@1911tex this thread has definitely got me thinking about this. A newly painted tailgate and soon to be applied Chevrolet band = lotsa time and money. I have this image though, of a frustrated thief, kicking my tailgate because he can’t get it.

 

[1911tex]

@1911tex this thread has definitely got me thinking about this. A newly painted tailgate and soon to be applied Chevrolet band = lotsa time and money. I have this image though, of a frustrated thief, kicking my tailgate because he can’t get it.

Caman96 I really appreciate your logic! I have no answer except.....either the thief steals your beautiful tailgate with little or moderate experienced effort, or he can't. The thief may??? as you say, want to kick it in in frustration which will draw attention pretty quick, or get out of dodge without making a sound and look for another GMT400, before the police have an opportunity to show up or you have an opportunity to run out with a shotgun and scare the crap out of them....or a passerby takes a cell phone photo. I would think the former. But not good choices.

I should think a pro tailgate thief (and they are everywhere), looks for a quick steal and if disturbed in any way quickly will go to the next possibility. The only option we have is to install a sensitive auto alarm. The average thief will still steal your tailgate if it is easily accessible as it only takes him a few seconds (look at the videos available on YouTube!), even when the alarm goes off if the truck is in an undisturbed area. I would have the "toughest anti theft device" I could find and garage it at night. Remember in post my original post, I followed up later with the knowledge that he had a hose clamp installed which did nothing to prevent the theft in the H/D parking lot......

 

[someotherguy]

I think the "pro" tailgate thieves are looking for late model stuff with the backup cameras, as those tailgates are netting $1K+. These same types are also taking the modern taillights that have the sensors and crap built into them for the crash avoidance systems. Big money. These type of parts make their way into the black market for shady repair shops that don't care where the parts come from as long as the price is right.

I think the guys stealing nice GMT400 tailgates are probably dirtbags that happen to have a beat GMT400 they want a better tailgate for.

Richard

 

[Caman96]

I think the guys stealing nice GMT400 tailgates are probably dirtbags that happen to have a beat GMT400 they want a better tailgate for.

I agree. The scumbag that recently stole 2 trim rings is in this category. Which is worrisome, because my truck might be due for another attack. I’ve said it before, at least you were once allowed to shoot a horse thief.
If I only could…

 

[1911tex]

Just a random thought that is relatively inexpensive and maybe very effective if your truck is outside at night. Amazon: Wireless outdoors motion sensor; 1/2 mile range; 3"x4" sensor, with 3"x3" plug-in receiver for inside your home. Look up in Amazon under "motion sensors". "Has over 15k positive reviews!"...on sale $29, same day free delivery. Idea may be to mount it on the inside front of your box facing the tailgate or as in the description on a tree, etc facing your truck...Caman96 was concerned about trim ring theft. This one only alerts you in the house. There are pages of remote sensors. I was looking for one that the receiver/remote can be kept in your pocket and the transmitter scare the crud out of the thief. Other folks may have better ideas.

You must be registered for see images attach

:

 

[Road Trip]

I agree. The scumbag that recently stole 2 trim rings is in this category. Which is worrisome, because my truck might be due for another attack. I’ve said it before, at least you were once allowed to shoot a horse thief.
If I only could…

Tailgate thief or even someone helping themselves to your trim rings?

My mind immediately goes to this classic CD cover: (Negative Reinforcement)

Too bad I'd get into more trouble than the one with the outsized sense of entitlement. :-(