1967-1972 Ford F-100 Styleside Tailgate Install - Right From The Gate

The tailgate latch-handle mounting plate (optional polished stainless steel) requires the installation of four collapsible fasteners.

They can be little buggers to install. Aligning the end of the provided -20 Allen head bolt flush with the collapsible fastener as pictured is a good start on doing it without a problem.

The first three went in perfectly, but on the fourth one I had a big problem when I choked-down to close with the 5/16-inch wrench towards 7/16-inch wrench which didn't leave enough room for the fastener to expand. Holding the 5/16 wrench flush with the end of the bolt would have prevented rounding the collapsible fastener off.

To get a good understanding of how the tailgate latch mechanism worked, and where the rods should be placed, I assembled it on the outside of the bed, and then installed it.

A major screw-up happened when I broke the spot-welded retaining nuts off on the inside of the tailgate. After jamming the 5/16-18 mounting-bolt and breaking the nut off, I proceeded to break the second retaining nut off with a tap.

Using extreme care on the other side, I carefully tapped the threads out, and the mounting bolts screwed right in. Pay close attention to what you are doing and you shouldn't have a problem.