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  • Adjustable Tie-Downs
  • From "Car Care & Repair"
    episode CCR-107
    advertisement

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Adjustable tie-downs allow flexibility in the way you secure cargo items in your truck bed.

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure A

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    Figure B

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    Figure C

    Most trucks come with some sort of tie-downs for securing cargo in the bed with rope, elastic cords, etc. Factory-installed tie-downs are typically located on the floor of the bed, or low on the sides. If you'd like to get a little more elaborate, customized tie-downs are easy to install and may make it easier to make adjustments to suit the type of cargo you're carrying. There are a number of alternatives available. For our demonstration, we installed an adjustable tie-down system that uses movable rings fastened to a track that bolts on the upper bed rails. The rings can be repositioned to facilitate different kinds of loads.

    Materials:

    Tie-down kit including mounting hardware
    Electric drill
    Screwdriver, Phillips
    Center punch
    Grease pencil
    Silicone sealant

    1. Hold or clamp the tie-down bar in place for marking holes where you'll install the mounting screws (figure A).


    2. Mark the position of the holes with a grease pencil.


    3. Center-punch each drilling point to get a better start when you drill (figure B).


    4. Drill the holes using an electric drill.


      Tip: It's a good idea to apply some silicone sealer to the drilled holes (figure C) before installing the screws to help prevent rust.


    5. With the holes drilled, clamp the strip in place.


    6. Insert the bolts and install lock nuts on the back. Tighten the bolts loosely.


    7. Once all of the bolts are installed, complete the job by tightening each one completely.


    RESOURCES :

    Vehicles provided by McNelly-Whaley Ford Lincoln Mercury
    750 Dolly Parton Parkway
    Sevierville, TN 37862
    Phone: 865-453-2833
    Web site: www.ford4u.com

    Slide-N-Lock Tie-Down System for truck beds
    Slide-N-Lock Tie-Down System from
    Hi-Lift Jack division of
    Bloomfield Manufacturing Company
    P.O. Box 228, 46 W. Spring Street
    Bloomfield, IN 47424-0228
    Phone: 812-384-4441
    Toll Free: 800-233-2051
    Fax: 812-384-4592
    Web site:
    www.hi-lift.com/home.htm

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