I just pulled home a '57 f100 (love it). The tailgate is really beat-up and the latches aren't attached to anything but the chains.

I ordered the shop manual to help with some of the issues, but I'd love to get some of it squared away.

Does anyone have a close up shot of how the latches operate?

 

Welcome to FTE.

They do not have latches, just chains AFAIK.

Can YOU post up photos of what you've got in place?

 

Latches, we don't need no stinking latches!

 

Steve, after thinking about it, I believe the OP is referring to the hook assembly on the ends of the chains that attach to the eyes on the bed.

That still won't get any photos out of me, a true tech-tard. Can you help him out?

 

Maybe he's one of the lucky ones with a flareside. We have latches, at least they are levers, and they're kind of confusing how they work..... I'll see if I have a photo of mine.

 

I have not seen a flareside close up, Gary.Your description of a lever, that is accurate as to what is on the end of the chains on a styleside. Guess I'll get out the shop manual.

 

I'll get a photo or two in the morning. I guess I've never seen a styleside up close......

 

Thanks guys. I really appreciate it. I ordered a shop manual and it should be here by Thursday (I hope).

 

I can't get a shot of it shut for a few days, but here it's open. You didn't say if your's is the amazing rare flareside or the normal everyday styleside

 

Thank you. It appears that at some point the chains on mine were reinstalled backwards. I've got a styleside. The levers are closer to the tailgate than the sides.

 

Well, stay tuned, I'm sure someone will know. Maybe stylesides are built that way. To tell the whole truth I kinda wish mine was a 9' styleside, then I'd paint it tu-tone like Teddy style. Flaresides don't tu-tone very well. And I think a 9' styleside is even more rare yet! Oh, and welcome to the clubhouse for orphans!

 

The chains can only be installed one way. What levers are you referring to? No see um.

B7C-9944456-B .. Styleside Tailgate Chain & Bracket Assy / Right/Left is the same / Obsolete

1957/60 F100/350 / 1961/65 F100/250 4WD / 1961/66 F350 (only F350's have the 9' bed) / 1962/63 F100/250 2WD / 1966 F250 4WD.

GRIESEL MOTOR CO. in Okarche OK has ONE = 405-263-7242 / No other Ford Dealer, no obsolete parts vendor has any.

Lower pic:

 

Here is my style side latches.

 

Perfect! Thank you Walston

 

That's what mine look like closed also. I see they are the same!