Tailgate latches

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Dec 11, 2015 | 07:03 AM

#16

544tess

Mountain Pass

Joined: Sep 2014

Posts: 217

Likes: 57

Quote:

Originally Posted by abe

Why not get the zinc plated ones instead? They are cheaper and look nice too.

We have the chrome versions.
The problem is,one does not latch well because the cam part on the tail gate has been messed with or it is worn.

Dec 11, 2015 | 12:13 PM

#17

Gary E

Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 831

Likes: 16

From: sacramento

Quote:

Originally Posted by AcesHigh

I just bought a set of these high dollar latches for my truck after being disappointed by the Mar-K spring loaded latches. Again, I was disappointed to find that if I actually install them, the screws will stick out visibly on the outside of the bed side. I've seen plenty of pics of these in use. To the guys who are using these, can you post a pic of the bed side, or tell me how you avoided having the screws sticking out? Thanks

Mine is the midfifty kit which is just like the one CharlieLed posted pics of I got the one with the tailgate so all the tailgate side was all punched to accept all the latches and what not, you cannot get the script gate that way though.

The button head end of the screw goes on the exterior bedside and threads into the post the bear claw latches too. So you can see a small part of the stainless button head from the side. its looks nice.

Dec 11, 2015 | 01:13 PM

#18

CharlieLed

Lead Driver

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 8,093

Likes: 652

From: Brentwood, TN

The tailgate shown in the photo I posted was a Dennis Carpenter exact repop of the OEM part. For those who may want to go this route you can take a look at this pic to see what it is like to open the area necessary to mount the latch. It is not for the faint of heart...

Attached Images

Dec 11, 2015 | 02:14 PM

#19

abe

Fleet Owner

Joined: Dec 2000

Posts: 25,363

Likes: 5,377

From: Central PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by 544tess

We have the chrome versions.
The problem is,one does not latch well because the cam part on the tail gate has been messed with or it is worn.

Do you mean the dogear type thing on the gate that the chain hooks on to? My right side is like that. The man I bought the tailgate from said the ears had been cut off and he welded them back on but I think the one on right needs to go more to the left to draw the tailgate tighter.

Dec 12, 2015 | 08:19 AM

#20

544tess

Mountain Pass

Joined: Sep 2014

Posts: 217

Likes: 57

Quote:

Originally Posted by abe

Do you mean the dogear type thing on the gate that the chain hooks on to? My right side is like that.

Yes, where the end of the latch catches.
Ours on the right side does not catch.

I was thinking of machining a piece of steel that can slip over on what is left of the "dogear" with the correct shape on the outside so the latch will catch.

I don't want to weld it because of the paint.