Awesome Tailgate Anti-theft device

Awesome write up my friend, well done.
Cheers

 

4mm torx, not 40mm
40mm is 1.6 inches.

 

Fixed, auto correct, my iPad and me have a love hate relationship.

 

That really was a folk-up.

 

Ordered and received within about 5 days. The install was easier than I expected...


I removed the tailgate completely from the truck. This wire cluster disconnects easily just on the other side of the wall, and this black retaining clip easily comes out with the wire.




Looking up from underneath to disconnect the tailgate wires.




Tailgate on the grass for ease and paint protection.




I thought I read that this screw would be a T50, but mine was a T40. With the tailgate flat on the grass, one knee holding it in place, I was able to break that screw loose with the breaker bar pretty easily. No adjunct methods needed.




Reinstall the tailgate, and slip the bracket under and around the pivot. Hold the tailgate at just the right angle to access the new T45 security screw with a rachet extension. I had some blue Loc-tite around, so I used it on the new screw.




Installed, and secure. Remember to re-connect the tailgate wiring! This bracket looks like it came from the factory, and my mind is much more at ease with this installed. Thanks @christian06 !

 

No prob, thanks to you as well, have a happy new year

 

Got this product from Christian and removing the Torx bolt is impossible. Other threads say the bolt has a weld. Must be the case, I bend all driver bits trying to remove it. Sent an email to Christian asking how to remove it. No reply. It appears I through $50 into the wind. Products are only good if you can use them. Beware of this issue with no help from producer.

 

Christian runs this not as a primary business, so give hime a little slack. Many people are happy with the results else he would have stopped by now.

One way to break the hold on the security bolt is to use screwdriver and strike the bolt a few times to dislodge it. Also remove the tailgate where you have more room to work with the bolt with a breaker-bar.

 

This post is unbelievable - on the same page as this post (#309) are several posts as to how to install this device (#302 is probably the best).
And I get it - security screws are tricky until you understand how they work and then they are not. BTW the screw (it's not a bolt) does not have a weld.
Also - I got all my questions answered by Chris and some of them were eye rollers but he was always respectful.
Anyway read through the thread or at least the last page.

 

Some people ...

 

You might need an impact driver.

I didnt have issue removing it from my 2023 with an extension, ratchet, and torx bit.

 

I never received a message from you or I would have definitely answered back, I pride myself on my customer service. You clearly sent it to the email that says"this is not my email".
If you take a punch and put it in the T40 and give it a few walks, it will loosen up.
Did you try taking it off with the tailgate on?
Or I'll be more than happy to refund your money.

 

Technically, a TORX head isnt really "security" without the center nub lol

 

I bought this alternative tailgate theft deterrent on Etsy for $25 and I used a couple of Home Depot Torx bolts to replace the existing oem bolts. Steel bracket fits perfect.

Alternatively, you may opt to use Torx security bolts for an extra layer of theft deterrence.

https://bobbercycle.com/products/to...-23-tailgate-lock?_pos=3&_sid=506123f3e&_ss=r

 

Do you have to drill into the bed to install this?

 

Please Allow me to vent about my experience with this product! I reached out to Christian with a question about the process and it took him over an hour to respond!!! Then after placing my order he had the audacity to message me New Year’s Day with a tracking number!!! Then when I had an issue removing the bolt after drilling the head he gives me his phone number so that I can call with questions so it would be quicker response time than TW!!! I mean the nerve of this dude… Then Christian somehow swindles me into talking a couple of my Taco buddies into purchasing the same product… UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Alright… enough jabbin’ at the snowflakes and powder puffs… Real talk, awesome and innovative device from someone who obviously gives a shit about his product and customer service. Well done Christian and thanks again!

 

Wow, you had me going for a second, thx for the kind words my friend.
Cheers

 

No drilling. Use existing bolts or you can substitute standard torx bolts with a flat washer like I did. 5 min install. Torx security bolts are also an option. The pic below from a previous post shows the oem bolt location that is utilized to mount the metal security bracket.

Accomplishes the same level of theft deterrence as other devices for $25 with a very very easy 5 minute install.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/158482...MI89eZg7bbgwMVvS3UAR3CEg5rEAQYAiABEgK1tPD_BwE

or

https://bobbercycle.com/products/to...-23-tailgate-lock?_pos=3&_sid=506123f3e&_ss=r

 

I grabbed the one from Etsy myself. Super easy to install.

 

i had a hard time with the bolt at first.

as it turned out all i needed was a breaker bar and a t-40 with drive matching the breaker bar. I used 3/8” drive, but i bet 1/4” would do fine too.

the bolt wasn’t even held in with teeth, and came out super easy.

i had waited too long to finish, because i thought the screw was stuck, and had tried a propane torch, my 2 impact drivers earlier.

just buy a t-40 that fits with a squre socket to use with a breaker or ratchet

i’ll post a pic just for why not when i get a chance. I never made a video.


Edit: Christian had suggested drilling it out, which i never tried.
I did need to heat the bead of material to make the metal antitheftdevice Christian machined fit.
My taco is a 2023.
There were no teeth on the backside of the original bolthead, and total mystery to me now, why it was so difficult to move at first. No stripping or even close, after being seemingly impossible to move a couple months ago, last week, it turned counterclockwise and was able to be removed like it was never even stuck.