Tailgate Latches
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 692
Likes: 3
From: Gatesville, TX
Tailgate Latches
What kind of latches work well for the tailgate on a 48-50 F-1?
Anyone have any pictures?
I have a new set of chrome plated chains for a 48- early 50 tailgate, if anyone is interested in them.
Don
Anyone have any pictures?
I have a new set of chrome plated chains for a 48- early 50 tailgate, if anyone is interested in them.
Don
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,039
Likes: 10,035
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Don,
I have the same interest. I am contemplating what to do to keep the tailgate closed. I still havent decided if I am going to get rid of the chains or not.
What do you want for the chrome ones? I just might be interested in them
Bobby
I have the same interest. I am contemplating what to do to keep the tailgate closed. I still havent decided if I am going to get rid of the chains or not.
What do you want for the chrome ones? I just might be interested in them
Bobby
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: Queanbeyan Australia
My repro tailgate has latches inserted into the top rail.
They are basically a spring loaded slip pin that goes into original looking chain tabs on the bed.
I was surprised when the bed turned up so equiped, as I didn't realize they were included
I think you can sort of see them in one of my gallery photos.
When she comes home from the Top Chop Shop I will pull them apart and post a few pics.
They are basically a spring loaded slip pin that goes into original looking chain tabs on the bed.
I was surprised when the bed turned up so equiped, as I didn't realize they were included
I think you can sort of see them in one of my gallery photos.
When she comes home from the Top Chop Shop I will pull them apart and post a few pics.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: Queanbeyan Australia
I just checked my gallery, and you can sort of not see them........the tabs and pins are just visible, but none of the latch is visible.......which is what makes them so nice.
Photos in a week or so, when it comes home
Photos in a week or so, when it comes home
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: peyton, colorado
I made my own latches that sound like halfdone's. I used 1/2" round bar, tapered on one end, inside a steel tube, with a small coil spring behind it. I'll try to post a picture in my gallery. I'm not going to use chains, as I don't want the scratches. I'm going to use woven nylon straps, sewn onto home made brackets. The nylon straps are available in lots of colors, as well as black. You can buy them ready made for about $40 from some of the parts vendors, but I'm cheap.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
I have the two piece chrome units. A small piece screws to your tailgate and larger hasp unit screws to the inside of the of the bed. They are not recommended by me unless you keep some type of spring clip in the loops to keep the hasp from opening up while driving down the road. 
I personally like the spring loaded plunger type described above. Good luck, Jag
I personally like the spring loaded plunger type described above. Good luck, Jag
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,355
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From: I live in Mustang, OK
Something to think about, I saw a 50 f1 at a car show in OKC last month. The man had Mounted seat belt latches out of a car on the inside top of the bed on both sides and mounted the part that goes in the latch on the tail gate i thied it and it worked very well and it looked like they were made for it. just a thought
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 66
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From: Rosedale BC Can.
I saw that done on a F100 I saw at Back To The 50s car show a few years ago.I agree it works very well.I,m going to do that on my 56 when I get to the bodywork on the box.I've already put them on my utility trailer and they work great.
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