If you had to pick out the most annoying factory item on your old truck, what would it be? Vintage drivetrains and suspensions have a certain amount of charm and are fun on the right trucks. Air conditioning isn't a problem, just open the cowl vent. Even bias-ply tires have their place. What about the tailgate chains that have pinched many a finger and gouged countless paintjobs over the years? Yeah, that might be numero uno.
Sure, there are those plastic chain protectors that can trap water and moisture, possibly rusting your new chrome chains immediately. And the cheap sheaths soon split and unleash the chains to flail around on your nice tailgate while you roll down the highway unaware. Some eliminate the chains altogether and bolt their tailgate shut, but then have to carry tools just to raise and lower it-and just as soon as you do this you'll find another reason to open it right back up.
Well, MAR-K has come up with a solution to this age old problem-a tailgate with hidden latches and link assemblies for Flairside Fords. These tailgates are available for all Flareside trucks from '53-87. The tailgate comes with latches and link assemblies included and are available smooth or with louvers. All you need is an old Ford truck in need of a makeover, and the new tailgate kit from MAR-K. The kit includes everything you need to make the conversion. Included are the tailgate, the template for your bedsides, the link assemblies, the hidden latches, all the hardware, and complete instructions. For those who don't know, Mar-K designs and makes all their products right here in the U.S. of A. and has a great staff to help should you have questions
The only modification to your bedside is in the form of drilling two 5/16-inch holes, but of course you'll need to paint the new high-quality steel tailgate to match your truck if you have an existing paintjob. For those with an in-progress truck, don't wait a minute-call today! And by the way, they have these for stepside Chevys, too.
 Here is the MAR-K hidden latch...  Here is the MAR-K hidden latch and link conversion for the '53-87 Flairside Ford trucks (Stepside to you Chevy owners) including their special new steel tailgate. MAR-K R&Ds all the parts at their facility in Oklahoma City, OK, which is where they are manufactured as well. |  This is a familiar sight for...  This is a familiar sight for anyone with tailgate chains on their classic truck; Ford owners aren't alone. Not only are the original chains hard to use, rusty, and noisy, but they ruin the paint on the bed and tailgate! It doesn't matter how many new chain covers you put on, something's bound to happen. Let's take a look at what MAR-K has whipped up as a cure. |  Support the bed so that it...  Support the bed so that it is level and square. The bed does not have to be removed from the truck to perform this installation. Just be sure it is reasonably flat and not mounted in a twisted position. First, remove the tailgate, hinges and chain assemblies. Place some masking tape over the stock lower hinge attaching location on one of the bedsides. Reinstall the hinges and the new tailgate and make sure it is aligned to your satisfaction. |
 After you are happy with the...  After you are happy with the location of the tailgate in relation to the rest of the bed, mark the location of the hinge onto the masking tape on the bedside so that it may be removed and re-installed in the same exact location. If your hinge body isn't in the best shape, MAR-K makes new steel or stainless steel hinges to replace worn out ones. |  Next, remove the hinge and...  Next, remove the hinge and the tailgate. Install the hinge back into position using the marked masking tape as a guide since the tailgate is no longer there to locate it. |  Now, slide the metal template...  Now, slide the metal template provided in the kit onto the hinge far enough that the template can lie flat against the inside of the bedside. The outer edge of the template should be even with the outer rear edge of the bedside. Clamp the template in place-be careful and use plenty of masking tape if you are working with a nice paintjob. |