Anyone modified fleetside Tailgate latch to bearclaw - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**chewychevy67** · 08-21-2019, 12:14 AM

I changed my doors to bearclaw latches and I love them. Was wondering if anyone has added these to the tailgate and used the factory opening handle? If so what latches did you use?

**chewychevy67** · 03-03-2020, 02:35 PM

Nobody has done this?

truckster · 03-03-2020, 03:34 PM

Just curious - is a bearclaw latch a style of latch or a brand or what? Forgive my ignorance.

**MySons68C20** · 03-03-2020, 03:42 PM

pics?

**chewychevy67** · 03-03-2020, 05:14 PM

Like the style the newer trucks have with a pin. It would make for smoother operation. Just need some inspiration and I was hoping Mabey someone has done it already

**jocko** · 03-03-2020, 07:00 PM

Have never seen it done on a tailgate. I have seen old male and female ends of seat belts used in lieu of the factory latch (ie one on each side and the center latch and handle smoothed), which seemed like a bad idea unless one had long arms to be able to release both at each side of the tailgate simo. While some high end customs might have done the bear claw on a tailgate, I’ve really only seen a bear claw latch used to replace door latches on old hot rods (because the originals weren’t exactly safe and secure). Am sure it could be done and would be slick, but would probably be a fairly involved mod - which might make some decide that the ol GM latch is good enough. Would love to see if anyone has already done this though.

08-21-2019, 12:14 AM	#1
chewychevy67 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Here Posts: 5,592	Anyone modified fleetside Tailgate latch to bearclaw I changed my doors to bearclaw latches and I love them. Was wondering if anyone has added these to the tailgate and used the factory opening handle? If so what latches did you use?

03-03-2020, 02:35 PM	#2
chewychevy67 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Here Posts: 5,592	Re: Anyone modified fleetside Tailgate latch to bearclaw Nobody has done this?

03-03-2020, 03:34 PM	#3
truckster Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 8,020	Re: Anyone modified fleetside Tailgate latch to bearclaw Just curious - is a bearclaw latch a style of latch or a brand or what? Forgive my ignorance. __________________ I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson

03-03-2020, 03:42 PM	#4
MySons68C20 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Wenatchee, Wa Posts: 977	Re: Anyone modified fleetside Tailgate latch to bearclaw pics?

03-03-2020, 05:14 PM	#5
chewychevy67 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Here Posts: 5,592	Re: Anyone modified fleetside Tailgate latch to bearclaw Like the style the newer trucks have with a pin. It would make for smoother operation. Just need some inspiration and I was hoping Mabey someone has done it already Attached Images

03-03-2020, 07:00 PM	#6
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,994	Re: Anyone modified fleetside Tailgate latch to bearclaw Have never seen it done on a tailgate. I have seen old male and female ends of seat belts used in lieu of the factory latch (ie one on each side and the center latch and handle smoothed), which seemed like a bad idea unless one had long arms to be able to release both at each side of the tailgate simo. While some high end customs might have done the bear claw on a tailgate, I’ve really only seen a bear claw latch used to replace door latches on old hot rods (because the originals weren’t exactly safe and secure). Am sure it could be done and would be slick, but would probably be a fairly involved mod - which might make some decide that the ol GM latch is good enough. Would love to see if anyone has already done this though.



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