New tailgate cables

[jhm]

Yesterday I bought the truck in to get the cables replaced, took about 10 minute, elapsed time. When they bought it out I opened the tail gate about 4 inches just to get a peek at them, looked just like the originals. When I got home I opened the tailgat flat and noticed the passenger side was tight, the drivers side has slack. If I sit on the drivers side the slack will go away. Then when I closed the tailgate, the cables stick out where they bend, so I have to push them in before latching the tailgate. I called the dealer and he said lots of people have complained and there is nothing they can do because "the tailgates are probably warped". I didn't know they were made of plywood! He said not to worry because they are warranteed for 12 months. I should have known when I saw the stickers on them saying "MADE IN CHINA"

[camaronut]

Wow....it'a small world...same problem here....

 

Amazing...made in china....

[JimG]

Thanks for the info - now I'm glad I haven't wasted a day of my life bringing my truck in to have this done.

 

Anyone check this guy out? http://www.vrstraps.com/

 

Hopefully starting a new job in a month, so I'll have some spare cash, I may just go buy a set of these straps and be done with it. That way when I get the call from GM saying I haven't brought my vehicle in for the recall, I can tell them I heard about their wonderful replacement straps and decided I was better off going aftermarket and getting something that actually works.

 

I called the dealer and he said lots of people have complained and there is nothing they can do because "the tailgates are probably warped".

The dealer needs to lay off whatever it is he's on Yeah, the tailgates warp alright - maybe if you drop a motorcycle on there real hard.

[jhm]

Thanks for the info - now I'm glad I haven't wasted a day of my life bringing my truck in to have this done.

 

Anyone check this guy out?  http://www.vrstraps.com/

 

Hopefully starting a new job in a month, so I'll have some spare cash, I may just go buy a set of these straps and be done with it.  That way when I get the call from GM saying I haven't brought my vehicle in for the recall, I can tell them I heard about their wonderful replacement straps and decided I was better off going aftermarket and getting something that actually works.

 

I called the dealer and he said lots of people have complained and there is nothing they can do because "the tailgates are probably warped".

The dealer needs to lay off whatever it is he's on Yeah, the tailgates warp alright - maybe if you drop a motorcycle on there real hard.

 

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Those straps are what they should have put on the trucks in the first place. I remember when all trucks had those. Even my 86 Jeep Commanche had them. Too bad we have to spend $70 to get them now!

[MyBigToy]

I've got the VR straps on my truck, they work great. There's a group buy going on right now at Chevyavalanchefanclub.com. Last I knew they were not all spoken for so you might be able to get in on the buy; I believe they were $55.

[RyanbabZ71]

I saw the stickers on them saying "MADE IN CHINA

 

I had my cables replaced today (due to the recall). I opened the tailgate and there it was a sticker on each cable saying made in china. Wonder where the originals were made???

[jhm]

What really bugs me is, didn't anyone test these replacements on a few trucks? I can't believe they expect everyone to accept having to tuck the cables in when closing the gate! They look hideous sticking out so you have to tuck them in. The vr straps look good, unfortunately heating season almost here, got to fill the oil tank first

[RyanbabZ71]

I can't believe they expect everyone to accept having to tuck the cables in when closing the gate!

 

I dont have to tuck mine in

[jhm]

The new cables stick out between the tailgate and the body. I'm thinking either they are too long or the stainless steel is more rigid so it dosen't relax like the old ones. The dealer said to give them some time and see what happens. You must have got one of the Chinese factory's good batches!

[RyanbabZ71]

Id also ay give them time. The ones I bought to replace my broken ones (prior to the ss ones) were like that. They took sometime then they relaxed and took form

[bigdogs]

I saw the stickers on them saying "MADE IN CHINA

 

I had my cables replaced today (due to the recall). I opened the tailgate and there it was a sticker on each cable saying made in china. Wonder where the originals were made???

 

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Not to freak you out but guess where a lot of medical cables are made??? I used to work at a place that made (and then outsourced) medical cables such as EKG and pulse ox...

[TarheelZ]

...I can't believe they expect everyone to accept having to tuck the cables in when closing the gate!

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You might want to make sure they tightened the bolt completely. I bought the replacements and installed them myself. On one side, I failed to completely torque the bolt down and they stuck out like you describe. After holding the cable end in place and tightening the bolt, they remained concealed.

[jhm]

...I can't believe they expect everyone to accept having to tuck the cables in when closing the gate!

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You might want to make sure they tightened the bolt completely. I bought the replacements and installed them myself. On one side, I failed to completely torque the bolt down and they stuck out like you describe. After holding the cable end in place and tightening the bolt, they remained concealed.

 

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Thanks for the tip, I'll check the torque.

[crewleader22]

I didn't feel like waiting around the dealership, so I called and asked them if I could put them on myself. I got them Wed. and put them on that night. I haven't noticed a problem, but I will check them out later today. Glad I still have the old ones stashed!

[SierraClassic]

At the risk of going off topic....

 

Has anyone tried the VR Straps on an old body style pickup? Their product page shows availability for '99 - '04 GM pickups. I'm wondering if the same straps will work on the old style C/K pickup. I sent an e-mail to the company, but no response yet.