New scratch built truck bed is moving along and I have to decide what to use for the tail gate hardware. I will be using the factory style stainless lower hinge mounts but cant decide to stick with chains or something else the gate up top.
What have you guys used to clean up the look of the top of the gate?

 

I used those rubber coated cables for a '90's S-10 pickup.
Some pics in my tailgate build thread...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...asy-steps.html

 

I also used the coated cables and marine latches from Rods Trucks

 

where did you get the hardware that the cables connect to? I have the same latches and was thinking about the cables, but didn't know what to attach to?

 

The special bolt that is on the truck bed came from a junkyard, Ford Truck. I made the reinforcing brackets and plates that are on the outer surface of the tailgate and on the outer surface of the bed to accept/spread the load or weight on the tailgate.
Unfortunately it is difficult to see the brackets and plates in the only other photos that I have since they are body colored. The whole idea however was to make the reinforcements disappear. The plates are made out of 1/8' stock with 90 degree bends for added strength. The reinforcements are not welded to the bed or tailgate.
When positioning the marine clasps you want the latch to come over center so that it will not inadvertently pop open on a bumpy road. It is touchy to get them just right.

Edit: I should add that the right angle mount on the inside of the tailgate that the bed end of the cable is attached to is a piece of 1/4" SS bent at 90 degrees.
In short all brackets I fabricated.

Your bracket will be slightly different since mine is a 49 bed/tailgate.

 

Hey Dave,
Here is a thread from a while back where Drewski & others outline
different approaches.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...latch-kit.html

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

I used F-150 cables for mine with seat belt buckle latches.

 

A couple of us here used seat belt latches. Bolted or welded they hold the tailgate secure.



___________________________________________
48 Ford F1 - Darkside
46 Ford Tudor - Street Rod

"Happiness - 3 pedals and a 5 speed"

 

I fabricated folding straps out of scraps of stainless to go along with my redneck buckle latches. My initial mockup was done with wood strips. After I got all the details worked out, I polished the straps and assembled with polished stainless bolts and locknuts.

 

Some great solutions in here.

 

Dave, my latches are home made. Tapered steel rod inside the top roll with springs behind it. For chains, I used standard hardware store chain, inside the bed, with clear plastic tubing over it. You can sit on the tailgate without fear of breaking the chains. Not as fancy as some, it was inexpensive and looks OK.

 

Aw hell. That's just slicker than runny boogers.

I know how I'm doing my tailgate straps and latch now.

 

a lot of missing pictures.

 

My pictures are missing thanks to Photobucket holding them ransom.