Tailgate latches - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**JML55** · 01-10-2009, 02:19 PM

Hi guys, I'm looking for ideas/pictures for cool latch system and handle on TF step side tailgates. I already got rid of the chains and brackets. I like to build a handle and latch system in the upper tube of the tailgate. Has anyone build this before.

4x4toy · 01-10-2009, 02:34 PM

Check out this months issue (Feb 09) of Diesel power magazine. There is a nice
custom Mack B63 truck in there. They have a small picture of his tail gate latches that are made from old seat belts. Does not show the tail gate open to get an idea of the straps that limit the tail gate from opening to far. I tried to find a picture on the web, but its not on the magazines site.

50adrod · 01-10-2009, 02:39 PM

check out Mar K, they make a hidden latch kit

OrrieG · 01-10-2009, 04:33 PM

It's a little bit of work but you can also take a later model center pull assembly and turn it around to work on the inside. I was going to do that but decided to go with the MarK system. I have also seen guys use surface mounted seat belt ends & cheap hardware sliding bolts. You could also use some electric solonoid remote stuff. Just depends on how much you want to spend and fabricate.

solidaxel · 01-10-2009, 05:36 PM

After looking at different systems and a new tail gate, I scrapped all ideas and went with a New Mar-K tailgate and there latches clean and simple and finished!!!

sighlurr · 01-10-2009, 08:52 PM

This is the set I just bought from CPP.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-...Q5fAccessories

50adrod · 01-10-2009, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solidaxel

After looking at different systems and a new tail gate, I scrapped all ideas and went with a New Mar-K tailgate and there latches clean and simple and finished!!!

same here

**JML55** · 01-11-2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsigh

This is the set I just bought from CPP.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-...Q5fAccessories

I do have those latches also but i want to link them to a handle of some sort in the center of the upper tube.

01-10-2009, 02:19 PM	#1
JML55 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fannystelle, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 853	Tailgate latches Hi guys, I'm looking for ideas/pictures for cool latch system and handle on TF step side tailgates. I already got rid of the chains and brackets. I like to build a handle and latch system in the upper tube of the tailgate. Has anyone build this before. __________________ Jean-Marc Lacasse 57 GMC 55 GMC 55 Belair 99 S10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316140 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=806011

01-10-2009, 02:34 PM	#2
4x4toy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Md Posts: 228	Re: Tailgate latches Check out this months issue (Feb 09) of Diesel power magazine. There is a nice custom Mack B63 truck in there. They have a small picture of his tail gate latches that are made from old seat belts. Does not show the tail gate open to get an idea of the straps that limit the tail gate from opening to far. I tried to find a picture on the web, but its not on the magazines site. __________________ 04 Yukon XL 2500 w/ Quadrasteer 61 Chevy C60, 261 inline six 86 Chevy C20 2wd, Banks 6.2 05 GMC Sierra 2500hd Duramax

01-10-2009, 02:39 PM	#3
50adrod Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 493	Re: Tailgate latches check out Mar K, they make a hidden latch kit __________________ 1971 Corvette convertible 454@ 525 hp 1936 Chevy Truck street rod 1952 Chevy truck hot rod build http://www.killbillet.com/showthread...2-Chevy-Cut-up 1964 F 100 custom street rod http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/12...mark-viii.html 1950 custom Chevy Truck Last edited by 50adrod; 01-10-2009 at 02:39 PM.

01-10-2009, 04:33 PM	#4
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Tailgate latches It's a little bit of work but you can also take a later model center pull assembly and turn it around to work on the inside. I was going to do that but decided to go with the MarK system. I have also seen guys use surface mounted seat belt ends & cheap hardware sliding bolts. You could also use some electric solonoid remote stuff. Just depends on how much you want to spend and fabricate. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

01-10-2009, 05:36 PM	#5
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Re: Tailgate latches After looking at different systems and a new tail gate, I scrapped all ideas and went with a New Mar-K tailgate and there latches clean and simple and finished!!! __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

01-10-2009, 08:52 PM	#6
sighlurr ______________ Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 1,285	Re: Tailgate latches This is the set I just bought from CPP. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-...Q5fAccessories

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