Tailgate handle ideas?

[64shortbed]

I was just wondering if a guy could use a 67-72 tailgate handle and all that goes with it on a 60-66 fleetside tailgate? I've seen the one that mount to the inside blah blah blah.. lol. But has anyone ever tried this? I realize id have to cut tailgats for latche clearance and what not but... Can it be done?

[newbe351]

Mar K figured it out.....

http://www.mar-k.com/Catalog/itemDetails.aspx?LID=8534



Or retrofit your own....

http://www.mar-k.com/Catalog/itemDetails.aspx?LID=3213

[Slow Build]

Here's a thread that was started on the subject but it hasn't been updated on his progress.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=6933260

[64shortbed]

Ok so far ive figured out what to do for the latches. I'm using 75 chevy latches that i've had to cut down a little so they don't hit the bed sides. But i'm finding the handle from the 75 is too big to fit inside of the tailgate. so after some looking at differant tailgate handles i seen a 67 f100 and i really think a 64-72 f100 and 66-77 bronco tailgate handle is the answer. I have not tested this out yet cause i don't want to spend the money on the handle yet so i'm looking for one a can try first. If i figure this out i'll let you guys know. the good think it the f100/bronco handle is chrome so i think it would look good.

[64shortbed]

If I can post pics from phone I think it looks like with a little work it would work? What do you guys think?

[64shortbed]

Side view?

[64shortbed]

It's in the closed position. It opens buy pulling it toward the right. Like opening a door. But I've been thinking about it and a guy could still mount it to the inside. You could alway modify the actual moving handle to sit flush with the handle bezel with so work or make one. I'll get some pics here shortly to show the handle better.

[64shortbed]

Back of handle.

[64shortbed]

Handle open. And you can see how handle mounts.

[64shortbed]

WOW! Over 300 looks and 3 replys. So either i've pissed poeple off or eveyone wants to know if it works?

Well i have not done much to the idea yet. But i did buy the ford tailgate. so i get latches and all to play with.

[chevyrestoguy]

I'm interested! I like your idea.

[ACK]

I think it's a really good idea. Will you post step-by-step photos of the install when it's done.

[Jeff La]

^^^^^^ Yes Please, looks to be a great idea

[64shortbed]

Tailgate done works great!

[64shortbed]

This is the hole I cut in the inside of the tailgate. I drilled the 4 holes to bolt the handle in. I used a piece of 1/4 inch flat steel that I spot welded in after drilling and tapping the holes to bolt it in.

[64shortbed]

Guess I forgot to take pics of the hold I cut in the sides of tailgate to mount latches. I used a air hammer to remove the Alignment brackets that where used to align the tailgate originally. Drilled 4 holes in the corners of hole and 2more on the sides of hole. Used cut off tool to cut top and bottom of hole. Then squared up the hole with a burr bit. Placed latch in hole and drilled bolt holes and tapped them.

[64shortbed]

The bed side latches were easy just removed the parts that hole tailgate flat when opened because they wouldn't work with where I had everything mounted. Remember the 75 c10 handle and latches were lower then where I mounted mine. Just put them up there and drilled and tapped bolt holes.

[64shortbed]

Sorry for all the post but I had to cause it wouldn't let me upload more then one pic on my phone.

The rods for the latches I used the f100 rods but had to make them 1/4 longer to work right and not have pressure on the rods all the time. And I used the f100 ones because they had the hole in the ends to make sure they don't come out of handle. I did also cut, bend, and trim the handle to get it to sit flat and not stick out from handle housing. You can see differents in first pics and this one.

The green tailgate was used for Mock up. Mine is the black one.

Now what parts I used...
Handle- 1966 f100
Rods- 1966 f100
Latches both bed and tailgate- 1975 c10

[frankslagoon]

Very Nice. I know you said the chevy latch was to thick to fit in from the outside. so probably won't work when installed inside either?

[64shortbed]

No the 60-66 tailgates are to thin for the 75 c10 handle. When I tried putting it in from front the tailgate would have to be a little over 1/4 inch wider to work.

[Mjminino]

you can use my youtube account if you dont want to dick around with setting one up. feel free to pm me.

[64shortbed]

For some reason i was not able to email it to you mjminino? Not sure why but i did start a youtube acount and got it posted. Here is a link to video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1CB9x2eNsU

[Mjminino]

Did you have to notch the bed cap (the panel that the tail lights go into), or was it already like that.

[64shortbed]

Originally Posted by Mjminino

Did you have to notch the bed cap (the panel that the tail lights go into), or was it already like that.

No that's factory. I want to make that straight one of these days.