Does anyone know if a lockable tailgate handle exists in the aftermarket that will fit a 1980 Ford F100? I bought a lock to keep the gate from being stolen, now I want a lockable handle to prevent the gate from being opened.

Thanks in advance!

 

Not really a demand for something like that. Most people who want to lock the tailgate, want to lock the contents in the back of the truck. So they have a topper or a hard cover over the bed, and the door on the back of the topper usually hangs below the tailgate, and it has a lock on the door. So when the door is locked, it blocks the tailgate from being opened also.

 

Subscribed. I want a locking handle as well, but have not found it. I'm planning to installing a retracting tonneau that locks. But, having not found a locking tailgate handle it looks like I'll have to go with the top end Roll-N-Lock that locks to the tailgate.

 

You could always drill out the handle and weld in a little metal piece with a matching hole, so you could put a small padlock on. Wouldn't be too obvious.

 

Good idea! It could be like the pin which goes into a receiver hitch with the hole for a pad lock.

 

Like Gary Lewis, I too have zeroed in on the Roll-n-Lock as the best solution. It is not the cheapest solution (drill hole, pin, n lock), but I already planned to install a tonneau - so this one makes the most sense. I'll have to wait until my money gets right though given the costs. So far I've completed necessary mechanical (colum shift lock lever replacement, tune-up, lube/oil/filter change, steering box adjustment, etc); minor upholstery repair (in progress) and then paint job +spray on bed liner (scheduled).

 

I've been thinking about a tailgate lock. What I'd really prefer to do is to have a pair of locks installed in the bed that lock the gate when I lock the doors - I'm going to install an alarm system. I haven't found what I'm looking for yet, but I did find this one.

 

I bought a tailgate lock to prevent it being stolen, waiting for it to land in box this ~Weds. I bought the Master Lock solution for ~$13 off Amazon.com to put that concern behind me. But I still don't like the fact that anyone can just walk up to the truck and open the gate. The good news is that I keep it empty when unattended.

 

Do you have a link to that lock? I'd like to look at it.

Another approach would be to replace the existing locks completely with solenoids. Many alarm systems have a 2nd output that can be used to open things like the rear hatch of an SUV. Why not use that to pop the solenoids and open the gate - although you wouldn't want to hit that button going down the road. That would allow removing the linkage in the gate and the handle wouldn't do anything. However, it would require a 2-pin electrical connector to the gate, which would be a minor inconvenience if you were pulling the gate off.

Another potential option would be to put a solenoid in the linkage to the existing latches. I've seen them that go in the linkage of an SUV or minivan and prevent the release handle from working when the alarm is set. But they would have to be inserted in the gate and there's not much room there. On the other hand, there's lots of room behind the latches.

 

Here is the link for the tailgate lock by Master Lock, Amazon.com: Master Lock 8253DAT Tailgate Lock+

 

Ah ha! I was thinking of a lock to prevent the gate from opening and you were talking about one to prevent the gate from being stolen. Got it! Finally. And you actually said "to prevent it from being stolen" and I didn't get it.

 

I have two goals: 1) to prevent the tailgate from being stolen (solved) and 2) to prevent it from being opened by anyone but me (unresolved). As for #2, I was already planning to put a tonneau cover on and I will save my pennies until I can afford the Roll-n-Lock. It locks into the tailgate preventing the tailgate from being opened.

 

I only had #2 as a goal since I hadn't even thought of #1. And, while the Roll-n-Lock does solve #2, it is the most pricey of the tonneaus. So I was just looking for another option - a cheaper one.

 

Yeah, I'm with you on preferring a cheap solution. Too bad Pop-n-Lock or other hasn't designed a cost effective solution.

 

See video of Master Lock's tailgate lock, Accessories - Master Lock®