by Jon Mikelonis
When the FordMuscle staff visited SEMA last year, this clever device caught my eye both for its' utility and sturdy construction. The TuffHook is the creation of Keith Dunlop, a powersports enthusiast who often wondered why even most modern trucks lack sufficient tie down points at the forward portion of the bed. The same issue is even more common with early trucks, like FordMuscle's
Project Redneck that have plenty of tie down points outside the bed, but none inside the bed. While the primary concept of the TuffHook was to provide worry-free attatchment points to secure motorcycles, atv's, and bikes, the design is great for securing all kinds of bulky loads, even those typically encountered by automotive hobbyists like you and I (ie, large tires, transmissions, engines, fenders, etc.) FordMuscle can vouch for the TuffHook's quality universal design since it bolted right up to Project Redneck without the "flimsyness" that sometimes comes with "one-size-fits-all" parts.
Here's a pictorial showing how easy it was to install and a few "in-use" shots.
1. Using a spray adhesive, I got started by attaching the included
Rubber Side Protectors to the outside of both the left and right
Main Frames.
2. I secured the driver's side
Main Frame with my "third hand".
3. Next, I inserted the
Frame Center Inner into the driver's side
Main Frame. Take note of the "Up" indication on the
Frame Center Inner.
4. Using my "fourth-hand" I secured the passenger side
Main Frame making sure it was inserted in to the
Frame Center Inner.
5. With the threaded hole of the
Frame Center Inner located midway between the
Main Frame ends, I added the
Rubber Center Protector and secured the
Frame Center Outer with the large threaded eyelet.
6. Now it was time to mark the holes for attaching the TuffHook to the truck bed. There are eight attachment points.
7. The top of the front bed rail requires four holes, all must be drilled with a 31/64" bit.
8. While each Main Frame of the TuffHook can be attached to each siderail with two bolts, some beds will not allow the forward point to be used. The case was true with the 1978 Ford. However, it's not a problem since the install is plenty secure without them. The siderail holes were drilled with a 21/64" bit.
9. The TuffHook includes these
Fast Nuts which allow you to install the
Main Frames without reaching underneath the front bed rail.
10. The
Fast Nuts require this included installation tool. This picture shows how you use the tool. However, I opted to forgo the
Fast Nuts and used my own automotive grade hardware.
11. Now it was time to place the TuffHook back into position.
13. Here I am tightening one of the four included
Cap Head Socket Screws. Again, I was patient and added an integrated washer and nut to the underside of the front bed rail.
13. The
Main Frames are attached the the side rails with carriage bolts. This 78 Ford's bed design would not allow me to use the front mounting location. That's OK because it's plenty secure without them.
14. Here's an example of one of the adjustable eyelets and cotter pins.
15. If you are into motorcycles then this wheel chock will come in handy.
16. A final view of the TuffHook, it's surprisingly unobtrusive.
17. Here are some spare tires ready for delivery to a local craigslist shopper.
18. With the use of a ring I installed in the rear of the bed, the TuffHook helps secure this old Ford fender.
The TuffHook is produced by Proform Parts. Visit
PROFORM® Engine Performance ©2006-2007 | Official Site for more product information including a list of official TuffHook dealers.
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