Tailgate latch idea

I wanted to get rid of the chains on my tailgate. This is what I came up with...
The latches are aircraft removeable work surface type, but there are different ones that work about the same as these. The mount on the bedside is a stainless steel plate w/ a 1/4" hole for the pin to slide into. The latches and the mounts are held on w/ steel threadserts. Thought I would share w/ those looking to get rid of their tailgate chains.

1959 fleetside bed

 

That is one of the nicest conversions I've seen. SImple and easy to install and operate.

 

great idea,,those chains just look hideous on a truck

 

Where did you get them? Thanks for the tip.

 

The latches kind of fell in my pocket when I was leaving work, but I made the mounting plate out of .090 stainless and backed it up with a 1/4" aluminum plate (to space it closer to the latch). I will try and find out the manufacturer of the latch, but in the mean time here is a link to another kick *** latch.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/univsprlat.php

 

what will you do to support the gate while its down. i was going to do sumthn like this with my 72 steper, but couldnt figure out anything that wasnt cheesy. looks good.

 

I left the chains on mine, they're great fun when you go to the building supply place and the kid tries to figure out how they work

 

Hahaha that's funny, I could see that happening.

 

Figuring out how to hang it is next on my list.

 

I wonder if you could find some retractible cable reels, and use some steel cable, kind of like they did on Nomad and late 50s Suburban tailgates? but they'd have to be covered up to look good.

 

Since it's tech week and all, here was my solution for a'52 F-1. I didn't want chains but didn't want to weld or otherwise modify the tailgate or bed. Just needed something quick and cheap. No solution to the "tailgate down" support for mine, either (yet). Only works on the older tailgates with external chain lugs...

 

I used an old seat belt latch. I welded the male part to the tailgate and the female part of the latch to the truck. I will try to get yall a pick. Its cheep and easy way to get rid of them scratchy chains.

 

The seat belt way is cheap and easy!!!!!............OLDBEET

 

Hey Dragn59, I used a "pip" pin in mine. It also fell in my pocket from work.....you know the push ****on release pins.....

 

easy way to make support cables is to weld a tube inside the quater where it will be covered by the tailgate. make a strong bracket at the end of the tube with a drilled bolt to ajust where the cable stop should be. pick up a replacement window sash spring cartridge from the hardware store that has a strong enough pull to return the cable when the tailgate is closed.

file:///C:/Do***ents%20and%20Settings/Owner/My%20Do***ents/McMaster-Carr_files/products.htm

 

Guys, guys, guys........just use the cables that are use on many late model pickups for just that purpose. They are readily available at auto parts stores and will fold up either berween the end of the tailgate and the bedside (as in OEM application) or within the bed area. In either case, not visible outwardly. You can also use the flat strap links in place of the cables and they work in similar fashion. They too were used on some later trucks.

I used mini bearclaws on my '54 GMC bed and a pair of the cables as described above.

Ray

 

Thanks. These were surplus parts from work. They are called unhinges. Used in aircraft work surfaces. Not sure what cost would be.

 

I want to do mine like that ****a!!!