Lock your tailgates!!!

[George2615]

I wonder why the thieves are only targeting tailgates from Fords.

 

[Gunny]

Not just Fords, the one on my GMC disappeared when I stopped by Walmart one late evening. Since then, I've seen a Chevy Silverado running around town with a Sierra tailgate, but I've got no way to prove it's mine.

 

[TCJatko]

Not just Fords, the one on my GMC disappeared when I stopped by Walmart one late evening. Since then, I've seen a Chevy Silverado running around town with a Sierra tailgate, but I've got no way to prove it's mine.

I thought newer cars had a portion of the VIN marked on parts to discourage the use of "chop shops". You might investigate this angle.

 

[Bird]

I had NO IDEA that some tailgates cost $3000 to replace!!!

I wonder if that's true. Of course, I guess the backup camera in the tailgate adds some to the cost, but I would not have expected it to be that much.

 

[Gunny]

I thought newer cars had a portion of the VIN marked on parts to discourage the use of "chop shops". You might investigate this angle.

Doubt if it would work for me, this was a 2003 model

 

[Diamondpilot]

I wonder if that's true. Of course, I guess the backup camera in the tailgate adds some to the cost, but I would not have expected it to be that much.

Don't forget about the GM's having not only cameras but heat. Keeps your hands warm as you push. This all adds expense.

Chris

 

[Bird]

Don't forget about the GM's having not only cameras but heat. Keeps your hands warm as you push. This all adds expense.

Chris

:laughing::laughing::laughing:

 

[two_bit_score]

Same with my 2015 Ford F150. First truck I ever owned with a locking tailgate. But I can remember when Dallas had the tailgate theft problem more than 40 years ago; it's not something new.

Remember T-Top thefts? There was a specialty market created for 'refurbished' used T-Tops in Houston. That was back about 35 years ago.

Before that it was wheel covers or 'hubcaps'. I had great video from Houston PD from the top of Greenspoint Mall where they videoed a guy slow crawling through the parking lot and removing wheel covers without getting out of his car. He was a practiced artist at his trade. Used that video for so many trainings that it finally wore out.

TBS

 

[QueBota]

Factory should install the saftety release type lock GM uses on their PU/SUV crank down spares . No one would ever remove a tailgate . Wife shreaded a tire on the Suburban. Went to do my road service call. Could not get that sucker to release on the side of the road. Pulled the wheel, went to my local tire place and had a nice used tire mounted to get by until I decide what to do, need two back tires. Anyone having one of these safety locks on their vehicle, I recommend trying to get it down and off the carrier in the driveway at home. I had to remove the license plate and reach in there to free the pin. Cleaned, lubed and reinstalled. Those things are the work of the devil.

My tailgates are about 50%. Dodge 99-01 Dodge tailgates contact the lip of the bumper when lowered, even with the cables attached. Any significant load on the tailgate leaves a bumper crease on the tailgate.

Q

 

[Bird]

Remember T-Top thefts? There was a specialty market created for 'refurbished' used T-Tops in Houston. That was back about 35 years ago.

Before that it was wheel covers or 'hubcaps'. I had great video from Houston PD from the top of Greenspoint Mall where they videoed a guy slow crawling through the parking lot and removing wheel covers without getting out of his car. He was a practiced artist at his trade. Used that video for so many trainings that it finally wore out.

TBS

Of course I remember when the T-tops were popular with the thieves. And when I was a young patrolman working the northwest part of Dallas, hub cap and bicycle thefts were our most popular crimes (remember the Olds spinner hub cabs?). A little later, CB radios became very popular with the thieves.