The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks '65 Fleetside Tailgate Cables???

My son and I are in the process of a frame-off on a '65 short bed fleetside for him that my uncle originally bought new. Anyway, we're doing away with the tailgate chains, I've already installed the hidden latches and want to use cables installed in the same manner as later model factory ones. I figure about any cable would work, I was just wondering if anyone had any tips on which ones work best and what hardware to use. I know I'll have to trim the lip of the tailgate for them to fold inside. Any information and/or pictures would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I would find a later model Chevy at the junk yard and remove all the hardware and try to configure it from there. They do have the replacement cables at a parts store but you could take pictures and measurement at the junk yard for reference.

"Any cable would work"--not so fast, my friend!!! Be careful!!! That's what I thought, but....Regarding late-model cables--there was a recall due to cables made from inferior materials (I think galvanized strands rather than stainless steel). They were wrapped in plastic and water could get in. Worked great for a few years, but they would rust and you couldn't see how badly due to the plastic wrap, until they snapped! That would always be at a very bad time, especially if someone is standing on the tailgate--mine failed when I had a big load of 6x6 posts trying to get home from the lumber store. Not good!! Ended up bending up a hinge and almost cost me a tailgate (the other cable held). This was 2001 model year, so either go a couple of years after that or check thoroughly!

And good luck on your resto. Post some picutures!

Mar-K sells a kit that works great.

thanks everyone for the information