My twist on tailgate clamp mod

I didn't want to scratch the paint and invite rust to the party, so I went to Home Depot and spent 15 minutes in the plumbing aisle looking for something that would work. I settled on buying a gray rubber part designed to join two different sized PVC pipes together (I think it was a 1" to 1.5"). I took it home, sniped the end off that I didn't need, cleaned it up, and wiggled it onto the tailgate. Now, the clamp has a rubber base that won't scratch the paint, and looks better than duct tape.

 

Nice Job!

Just one suggestion though....swivel that thing around so the 'nut' isn't right there out in the open. Anyone can see it and anyone could use a multie tool to remove it. Put it down & hidden and make it even harder for them to get at it.

 

Nice idea, I need to fix mine. I put clamps on with no protection and I'm starting to get some rust dots!!

 

x2, or thread locker red that sucker! I like the mod though, I still need to get around to doing this...

 

Nice job i did the same with mine but mine is pointed down and has some electrical tape around it so you cant really see it at night.

 

I put a dab of jb weld on the head of my clamp......thats my twist

 

I didnt buy a "normal" one, i bought one that takes a special tool to get it off

 

I don't think thread locker will work on a worm style thread. JB weld it. Thread locker crystallizes and expands in the treads. The expansion cracks plastic parts too.