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| | | Forums66 Topics128,021 Posts1,055,348 Members48,420 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 32 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 32 | Does anyone know the original length of the cables for the clamshell tailgate on a TF Burb? I only have a few pieces of the originals left. The pieces I have- a piece with a ball on one end(for the tailgate side) and a ball with a small bracket to attach to the retractors. Are they one piece? I am planning to have these custom made unless some one has them???? Thanks | | | | | Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 438 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 438 | 51 suburban I have a 49 w clamshell. Was the length of the cable the same for 50 versus the 55 listed above from Danchuk? Any modification needed for installation ?
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. - Thomas Edison Things may come to those who wait...but only the things left by those who hustle."-Abraham Lincoln
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 32 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 32 | Thanks for the replies. I had heard that the cable lengths for the wagons and burbs were different. The burb had longer cables due to the length of the tailgate. Do the cables have a stop on them to prevent the tailgate from opening too far? | | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 | If no one comes up with the answer, I will try an remember to measure them when I go to the property where I have them stored. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 32 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 32 | Thanks, that would be a great help! Let me know, Chuck | | | | | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 2 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 2 | the length is the same . it fits perfect . i will post some pictures of cable later when i go back to the body shop were my suburban is at | | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 8 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 8 | According to a master parts book the part number for the cables was 3811539 and they were a fraction over 49 inches long for the burbs with the tailgate. They are longer than those used on the pickup. This was on the second ser. of trucks | | | | | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 39 Member | | Member Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 39 | what does the TF stand for as I see it used abit? | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | Task Force = 1955-59 series
Bill | | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 32 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 32 | Thanks for the replies. Hubcycle, your saying the AD and TF lengths are different? In your master parts book does the 3811539 number cross over to anything else that I can find a reproduction of? Just so everyone is on the same page I'm talking about my TF(57 Burb). Thanks | | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 8 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 8 | Sorry, I have not replied sooner. Next time I get my hands on the book I will check for crossovers. The book I was using started with 55's TF trucks. I'am presently working on a 55 GMC Burb. I having a marine supply outfitter make me some out of coated 1/8 inch stainless cable. I'll let you know how they turn out and how much. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 32 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 32 | | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | firedriver: I happen to be in AutoZone today looking for a do-dad and seen quite a few different cables. When you find the correct length you may want to look at theirs before sending you $$ to someone else?? | | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 | Sorry for the late response, I finally got up to the property to see the 1948/55 Suburban. I measured the existing cable and retractor length.
Cable: 44" overall length and 43 1/2" measured from inside the two lead balls. There is also another clevis type clamp, add 3/4"
Retractor: fully opened it is 48"
The cable can easily be made and there may be other cables out there that match. The ball is restricted in how far it can extend because of the support that it passes through. | | |
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