speaking of tailgates...

[jrd51ox]

I want to put a tailgate / lift gate on my SIII very badly. However, two things are scaring me here...

(1) Difficultly (2) Money

I'm sure many of you have converted from a regular back door to a tailgate / lift gate. Please share any tips or suggestions. Most importantly, how hard will this hit my wallet.

I'm clueless about where the tailgate hinge meets the rear frame. Is that connector piece welded or bolted right onto it?

Thanks again.

[galen216]

The hinge connection on your rear crossmember is the two pieces that stick out with holes in them. It isn't a hinge per se as much as two holes for the rods on the tailgate to stick through.

The lower tailgate can usually be had pretty cheap, but the upper tailgate can be hard to find and expensive when found.

[jrd51ox]

The hinge connection on your rear crossmember is the two pieces that stick out with holes in them. It isn't a hinge per se as much as two holes for the rods on the tailgate to stick through.



My is just flat along the crossmember....nothing sticking out. I think I know exactly what you mean though. They would be sticking out where the red circles are, correct?

[TSR53]

http://c7716.r16.cf2.rackcdn.com/RN-Forum/users/TSR53/DSCN0012.JPG

[Les Parker]

The bolt on style brackets for the ROW Defenders are available :-

2. LR016714 Bracket @ $18.59 each
2. MRC5757 Nutplate @ $ 8.76 each

:)

[Bertha]

My is just flat along the crossmember....nothing sticking out. I think I know exactly what you mean though. They would be sticking out where the red circles are, correct?

I was going to tell you that your biggest hurdle was going to be getting and installing the brackets that sit in your roof, for your clam shell flip gate, which you will still need to get (which is pricey) until I saw that your frame has no provision for the lower taigate. I have never seen a frame without them-do you have a replacement crossmember on your truck(I thought even replacement crossmember came with them)?
FWIW I have a good used clamshell I would sell, however it is missing some of its hardware(but RN sells all the little parts for it)

[xsbowes]

I was going to tell you that your biggest hurdle was going to be getting and installing the brackets that sit in your roof,

I didn't have them on my hardtop, so I just cut some aluminum angle and bolted them in. I use the clevis pins for quick removal of the gate. Cost less than $10.

http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2073/10249131/19458865/375673796.jpg

http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2073/10249131/19458865/375673794.jpg

[badvibes]

xsbowes-

Nice solution to the problem!

Jeff

[usadventureracing]

Does anyone know where to get a clam shell lift gate? Thanks

[crankin]

They come up on ebay ever once in a while. RN has some new takoffs from the defenders for sell (which will work). Rovers Down South might have some as well. I lucked out and find one in the UK, I also had a buddy with a container coming over....and just threw it on with his shipment.

[Jim-ME]

Watch Ebay if our hosts don't have one which I believe they do show one in the clearance section. You can also check with Matt Browne at Overland Engineering and I will have a stripped one shortly. PM me for details.
Jim

[Donnie]

Does anyone know where to get a clam shell lift gate? Thanks


What is a clam shell lift gate look like..??
The lift gate's that I am aware of are usually operated by hydraulics & I think the weight would be a factor hanging out on the rear..

[xsbowes]

What is a clam shell lift gate look like..??
The lift gate's that I am aware of are usually operated by hydraulics & I think the weight would be a factor hanging out on the rear..


http://www.tntlr.com/database/products/MTC5381.jpg

Similar to the hood being called a bonnet. This one is from TNTLR.com but no window or hardware. $285. Anyone thought of making their own?