Doh!

[Phil513]

I figured out this screw for the tailgate latch was left hand thread. Right after I snapped the head off.

Anyone know where I can get one? I checked LMC, I didn't find it.

 

[diesel4me]

If its not a special shouldered bolt or something--McMaster-Carr probably has a left hand thread bolt selection..
I'd head for a salvage yard if your area still has any trucks of your vintage..

 

[Phil513]

If its not a special shouldered bolt or something--McMaster-Carr probably has a left hand thread bolt selection..
I'd head for a salvage yard if your area still has any trucks of your vintage..

I already checked, looks like the wrecking yards here don't have it.

Yeah, I think its just a left hand 1/4 20. It does have a weird end on it, but I'm guessing that is just for ease of assembly. I'll get one from McMaster.

Thanks!

 

[diesel4me]

In a pinch I used the LH threaded "rod" that came on a turnbuckle--one of my old garden tractors has a LH thread nut to hold one front tire on,that threads into the spindle..not knowing it was LH thread,I twisted it off...
I found the turnbuckle at Lowes and I just cut the "eye" end off it and welded a nut to it...

The guy in the hardware section of Lowes said "We used to have a drawer with some LH thread bolts,but didn't re-order any because they were such slow sellers.."..so maybe a "good" old fashioned store might still carry some LH stuff..

 

[WyOSteve]

My local Ace hardware is WELL stocked with nuts and bolts, just a thunk...

 

[Phil513]

My local Ace hardware is WELL stocked with nuts and bolts, just a thunk...

That's a good idea. Quite a few Ace Hardwares have closed here in Vegas, but I think there are still a couple around.

 

[Phil513]

Just an update, NO hardware stores carry left hand thread anything. I could have ordered it from Fastenal though.

I got a cad plated one from McMaster. Tailgate is good as gold, I can unlatch it with one hand now. lol.