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Tailgate theft....How to prevent it....

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by chris4x4, Feb 21, 2009.

  1. Jun 12, 2013 at 8:12 AM
    #741
    whitetacoma89

    whitetacoma89 Well-Known Member

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    Are those zip ties? If so, you might consider changing them. Those are easy to break off with a knife or screwdriver
     
  2. Jun 12, 2013 at 1:24 PM
    #742
    Zarcero

    Zarcero Well-Known Member

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    They are indeed zip ties. Several upthread have done the same mod. I really tried to get that tail gate off afterwards. Nope not "easy" to get it off with a knife or screwdriver, but I will say it's has the same degree of difficulty as does the hoseclamp if one wants to get it off. It's designed to be a deterrent not a complete stopper. Currently I have the zip ties and a cablelock securing the tailgate. In addition, I also have the GateKeeper http://www.jimmijammer.com/Product,%20GK.htm on order. When I put the GateKeeper on I will cover the zip ties with it.

    P.S. WTF Toyota? No lock on the tailgate. No lock on the gas cap cover. No lock on the glove compartment or console. Don't these people believe in security? This is the fifth day I have had the car and have since purchased the Console Vault, ordered the GateKeeper, and have ordered a locking gas cap. Seems like Toyota is in the business of having us buy truck farkles from other vendors.
     
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2013
  3. Jun 12, 2013 at 3:20 PM
    #743
    XIII

    XIII Active Member

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    Well, GUESS WHAT? Surprise SURPRISE, my new tacoma I've had for only about a week or so? Someone tried to steal the tailgate! The clamp stopped/slowed him down enough for a PD vehicle doing shopping center patrol to see the guy. He didn't even notice them pull up right behind him.

    Jesus, I am so glad I saw this topic, is this stickied? I am so thankful, thank you guys!
     
  4. Jun 18, 2013 at 3:19 PM
    #744
    Nate87

    Nate87 Well-Known Member

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    I bought my Tacoma last month and this was the first thing I did to it. I had to take off for a few weeks the day after I took it home and was worried I'd come back to a tailgateless truck. Luckily it was still there and on went the "keyed" hose clamp installed from underneath to make it a little more challenging. The ruber shrink wrap was a good tip to prevent marring. I also did the cable washers and loctite. Thanks for the tips.

    Nate
     
  5. Jun 25, 2013 at 4:35 PM
    #745
    Tommiet

    Tommiet Well-Known Member

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    I used the suggested 1 3/4 clamp with the plastic key. The only difference is that I used shrink wrap to cover most of the clamp. Then I used liquid black tape on the rest. May cut off the excess.

    truck.jpg
     
  6. Jun 25, 2013 at 7:09 PM
    #746
    Frogsauce

    Frogsauce Well-Known Member

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  7. Jul 3, 2013 at 12:00 PM
    #747
    TacNL

    TacNL Member

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    Clever idea and I'll be getting some clamps if available in Canada.

    Just wondering though, what would prevent someone from buying the E-Z clamp at Wal-mart and use the key to steal a tailgate equipped with the clamp?
     
  8. Jul 3, 2013 at 3:22 PM
    #748
    ImpulseRed008

    ImpulseRed008 Gone But Not Forgotten

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    Thieves want something they can grab in a hurry, not something they have to spend time on. Don't think anyone who has done this has lost their tailgate.
     
  9. Jul 3, 2013 at 6:44 PM
    #749
    TacomaCon

    TacomaCon Active Member

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    Look like you did it on the left side? Should be the right side.
     
  10. Jul 4, 2013 at 4:41 AM
    #750
    Tommiet

    Tommiet Well-Known Member

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    Unsure of the process, I did BOTH sides. Newbbie and still learning form the pros here.

    Your a man with an eye for detail!!!! Take the day off.
     
  11. Jul 6, 2013 at 11:49 AM
    #751
    Elmosaurus

    Elmosaurus Well-Known Member

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    Just going to reiterate, this is a great thread. Thanks, OP!

    I was going to do the electronic Pop n Lock actuator that is keyed into remote lock, but decided this was far less intrusive.

    For anyone not able to find the EZ Clamp at their walmart (like me) it turns out AutoZone has them. They are made by a company called Koehler, and you need part no. EZ20BK for the 3/4" to 1 3/4" range. (two the pack)

    I bought heat shrink tubing as well, so for just over $7, this should keep my tailgate sufficiently locked.

    E.
     
  12. Jul 6, 2013 at 12:47 PM
    #752
    Elmosaurus

    Elmosaurus Well-Known Member

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    Just got it done; really, literally, a 10 minute job, tops. (would have been faster if I wasn't taking pictures for you guys)

    To make things easier for anyone else, I measured for the way I installed.

    FYI, the Koehler EZ clamp security head is no longer five point under the key, it is a squared head, and my 1/4" square socket was able to get a grab and turn it. The actual size is just a smidge larger than 3/16"... might be a metric size... (if 5.5 mm square is common? no idea... I certainly don't own a square socket in that size) While this is 'less' secure than before in my opinion, it's probably still adequate as not many 'thieves of opportunity' will happen to have a square drive socket with them.

    [​IMG]

    Now, I'm not going to shrink mine; I'm leaving mine loose. If you want a shrunk tubing look, you'll need to cut the correct length after you have shrunk the tubing onto the clamp. (based on my math, 4 1/4" should get you all the way around, not counting any 'underlap' of the threading area that you may want) Otherwise, for a loose install, you can use this as a guideline:

    [​IMG]

    'Un shrunk', the length that the tube has to cover is 5.25", if you want some 'underlap' to go under the threading section of the clamp. (I wanted to protect the paint all the way around, and under the clamp even)

    Cut one half of the tubing off to create the 'underlap' section that will go under the threading area: (I cut essentially 7/8" off)

    [​IMG]

    Lastly, slide the tubing on, underlap first, on the interior of the clamp. Here's what I ended up with:

    [​IMG]

    Position on the passenger tailgate hinge as desired, tighten clamp with the key, and remove key. (mine did not require pliers, I was able to wiggle a tiny bit and pull hard to get it off)




    Hope this helps someone!

    E.
     
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2013
  13. Jul 10, 2013 at 11:09 AM
    #753
    SABAJA

    SABAJA Well-Known Member

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    I agree that this wont stop a more preparded thief. Whats stopping thieves from reading this, and then just going to walmart or autozone to buy their own clamp keys? Nothing. However it will pose problems for opportunists.

    Im gonna do this with the heatshrink idea used above (great idea btw). Doing a popnlock latch as well as a spare wheel lock.
     
    Last edited: Jul 10, 2013
  14. Jul 16, 2013 at 7:04 PM
    #754
    MG2kay8

    MG2kay8 New Member

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    Just got my Taco and bought a #Gatekeeper!

    Thanks!
     
  15. Aug 3, 2013 at 6:28 PM
    #755
    Bucketweet

    Bucketweet Member

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    I installed a key lock to mine. Can't remember where I got it. Google it.
     
  16. Aug 3, 2013 at 7:50 PM
    #756
    keninsb

    keninsb "Senior", Senior Member

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    Last edited: Aug 4, 2013
  17. Aug 3, 2013 at 8:45 PM
    #757
    XIII

    XIII Active Member

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    Not that descriptive....
     
  18. Aug 4, 2013 at 12:28 PM
    #758
    keninsb

    keninsb "Senior", Senior Member

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    I edited my post above with a picture of the keyed lock that I installed. It is basically a plastic coated hose clamp with a keyed screw instead of the hex/slotted screw that is on a normal hose clamp. It is like a mini version of a wheel lock key.
    Ken
     
  19. Aug 7, 2013 at 5:31 PM
    #759
    MagicBeef

    MagicBeef Goon

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    First mod! Even had the right size clamp layin around, so it was effectively free. :woot:
     
  20. Aug 8, 2013 at 2:12 PM
    #760
    Nate87

    Nate87 Well-Known Member

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    "keyed" hose clamp with shrink wrap installed through the bottom
    [​IMG]
    Also did the washers
     
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