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?

[chevyrestoguy]

With a little trimming, of the outer perimeter of the handle assembly, I think it'll work. I'm just trying to get used to seeing a handle on a 60-66 tailgate. It's too bad that the back of the 60-66 tailgate is so flat, because an inside handle would be slick and still retain the stock-ish look. I like the fact that you're trying to use factory parts for this. To me, I love the look when the final installation looks factory and doesn't cost hardly anything at all.

Is the handle in the picture shown in the open position, or does the handle go flush to the outer bezel?

[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.

[64shortbed]

Think I decided to mount the handle to the inside instead. That way I keep the factory look on the outside. But I get a handle and latch.

[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]

I did have to trim tailgate so bed latchs would latch with tailgate side.

[Slow Build]

You don't mess around. Great install. Thanks for documenting it for us.

[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

[64shortbed]

Originally Posted by Slow Build

You don't mess around. Great install. Thanks for documenting it for us.

Thanks I still got to clean and paint but need warmer day. If you have any questions just ask.

[chevyrestoguy]

This needs to be a sticky, or get logged into Woogeroo's database. Nice job!

Questions:
-How did you lengthen the rods? Weld or threaded coupler?
-How hard is it to assemble the rods to the handle when you're putting it together for the last time?
-The picture of the green tailgate shows a gap between the handle assembly and the tailgate. Is it flush on the black tailgate?
-How easy does the handle operate? Does it take much pressure to unlatch?
-Can you show how much of the jamb you had to trim away for the tailgate to clear the bedside when you shut the tailgate? Or did you have to trim it at all?

I really like what you did!

[64shortbed]

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

This needs to be a sticky, or get logged into Woogeroo's database. Nice job!

Questions:
-How did you lengthen the rods? Weld or threaded coupler?
-How hard is it to assemble the rods to the handle when you're putting it together for the last time?
-The picture of the green tailgate shows a gap between the handle assembly and the tailgate. Is it flush on the black tailgate?
-How easy does the handle operate? Does it take much pressure to unlatch?
-Can you show how much of the jamb you had to trim away for the tailgate to clear the bedside when you shut the tailgate? Or did you have to trim it at all?

I really like what you did!

Rods- I welded them back together.
Rods to handle- they were pretty easy to slip back into the handle before placing the handle all the way to tailgate.
Handle tailgate gap- yes it sits flush with tailgate. I had to make the mounting holes bigger for the bolts I used. The handle holes had a recess where it bolted originally to the f100 tailgate but after drilling the holes bigger I some what eliminated the recess on my he hopes and it fit great.
Opening- works great doesn't take any hard pulling at all to get to open. Shutting you can use the handle or just push it shut.

I'll get more pics today last night it got a little to dark for the phone to take good pics.