No more chains!

[ApeKing]

I notice a few of you have gotten rid of the tailgate chains. Im assuming you did so with the kit some places sell with tailgate arms etc. My question is how do you release the tailgate now?

[LILRED66]

Check out this site for a few ideas on the subject:

http://www.persh.org/pickup/tailgate.htm

Happy Holidays.

[ApeKing]

Ive seen the seatbelt latch method before but didnt like the idea of having to reach all the way across with both hands to open the gate.

[LILRED66]

Maybe this will make it easier for you...but you won't like the price.

http://www.mar-k.com/what_s_new_at_mar-k.html

[ApeKing]

Yeah that is a bit pricey. Im gonna see what I can come up with. Thanks for the info though.

[slepysal]

I made mine the low budget way,I used some gate latches . I mounted them on the gate then drilled a hole in the bed for them to slide into

[slepysal]

here is a pic of it they are screwd on , but will get welded soon

[ApeKing]

Nice Sal. At work we have tons of stuff that I might be able to adapt. For the time being Im just gonna keep my eyes open for something unusual that will work.

[protrash64]

Im sure it was on this site, somewhere, I saw a complete factory release set-up adapted to these tailgates, flipped handle, too.

[tommys66]

Try going to a marine shop, order a 90degree hatch latch or a cam lock latch. they are stainless steel and only around $35.00

[joe231]

Originally Posted by LILRED66

Maybe this will make it easier for you...but you won't like the price.

http://www.mar-k.com/what_s_new_at_mar-k.html

price isn't bad considering what you get, new gate and all new hardware....


these are also from mar-k


tailgate hidden latches


tailgate link assemblies

[ApeKing]

I found something that just might work. Toilet stall latches. THey have a flat chrome bar that slides over to latch. Im gonna modify them and see what happens. Ill let yall know how it works out. I did also have another idea though. How about installing some of those little hydraulic cylinders on the gate and then installing a solenoid latch that could be remotely operated. Hit the button on your key fob and the hydraulic cyls would slowly lower the gate. I might see about making that work later down the road.


Edit: nope the stall latches wont work, back to the drawing board!

[fchava]

here is mine, not pretty but works. Just the works out of a later tailgate.
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/13992487

[PrerunnerRob]

Originally Posted by fchava

here is mine, not pretty but works. Just the works out of a later tailgate.
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/13992487

Sweet! What year parts did you use?

[70 Suburban]

Yes plz more info

[ApeKing]

Originally Posted by fchava

here is mine, not pretty but works. Just the works out of a later tailgate.
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/13992487

Im interested in your bed cover. Where did you get that and is it modified from another model of truck or made for that model?

[protrash64]

Thats the set-up I saw...nice work fchava. The cover is probably a Gaylords...Im just guessing as it looks like it may roll over the side of the bed. Thats what I have...

[Dadsredwagon]

i used the gate latches as well let us know how yours turns out..

[fchava]

Originally Posted by ApeKing

Im interested in your bed cover. Where did you get that and is it modified from another model of truck or made for that model?

My cover is an early gaylord made for our trucks. They have a newer style now, but I think it looks the same.
The latch is from like a 78 chevy fleetside.

[ApeKing]

Thanks for the info I have their site bookmarked now.

[502tripower]

late model S10 hardware....

[ApeKing]

Nice work!