Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

I plan on installing a latch in my tailgate if possible during the process of repairing my tailgate. I may even install an EZ down shock also to make it like the new silverado tailgate.

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

What kind of latch are you thinking about?

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

I haven't decided for sure. At first I thought about a 73-87 since they may be easy to find but I will keep researching what's out there.

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

Have you seen Mar-K's inner latch and hidden arms?

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I have seen Mar-K's inside latch. I have thought about having it look like a normal latch like 67 Chevy up.

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

update tailgate.

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

Are you planning to put the handle on the inside or outside of the tailgate? There are handle re-locator kits available for newer trucks that might make placing it on the inside a lot easier if that's the way you go. Keep taking pics. It's really helpful to see the tailgate opened up so we can see how the process goes. I'm planning on doing something similar sometime but I won't have the benefit of having full access to the inner workings. Please keep us posted.

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

My first thought is to put it on the outside like it would normally be on a later model chevy. But I am not opposed to the inside just leaning on installing it on the outside.

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

I champion this idea, it is a small convenient item that I miss about my '67. I am interested to see what you come up with.

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

I thought I had a 73-87 tailgate laying around to get the latch from but no luck finding it. I will probably have to chase on down on craigslist or salvage. I am excited to see if the 73-87 latch will fit.

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

67 Tailgate. Close to the latch I think I will install. 67-87 look to be very similar.

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

67 Tailgate

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

07-13 chevy latch pasted on a 65 Tailgate.

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I am not sure what it would look like in paint but i think I prefer the older style. I think it would like original that way.

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

If I were going to use the last pic I would get a locking handle.

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

I have seen a lot of repairs here but this might be the first tail gate repair I have seen on this forum I might be wrong that metal is so heavy a lot of guys shy away from doing it and search for a good one...

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

I think part of the reason I am rebuilding this tailgate is because I have been thinking about some tailgate mods like a built in latch and EZ down mod. I would feel less comfortable cutting up a new tailgate to try these mods.

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

I could add a remote tailgate release like the new F150. That would be cool.

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

Think outside the box (mini trucks). Suicide door latches with remotes. Actuators for up down. Minis have small metal handles and hardware. I used marine latches from Horkey.
http://www.horkeyswoodandparts.com/page17.php

http://www.horkeyswoodandparts.com/2...re%20047sm.jpg

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

Found the same marine latch on ebay for only $14 each.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-MARPAC-M...-/261341383466

A lot cheaper than paying $99 for a set repackaged as truck latches. If you search around for MARPAC marine latches you may do even better.
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDYwMA...JSlur9/$_1.JPG

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

I'm along for this one. I too have thought about this mod. Waiting to see what you use. Thanks for posting it.

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

Making some progress fixing the dents.

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

Just ordered a 67 tailgate latch assembly from http://www.restorationperformance.co...e-7-pcs-c2516/

Should get some more progress done on my tailgate soon. It's been to long already.

Re: Tailgate Mod/Repair
 

If the handle doesn't work for ya check out my handle and latches I used. Works great.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=659201