Hidden tailgate latch kit on stepsides
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
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Hidden tailgate latch kit on stepsides
Been working on my son's stepside. He wants to get rid of the chains that hold the tailgate and I came across these from LMC Hidden tailgate latches. I am wondering how hard they are to install and what you did for when the tailgate is down. Since the chains are gone. How do you hold the tailgate in the down position? I'm going to order them, but wonder what to do!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I bought an aftermarket ProsPick bed for my 48 and I didn't want the chains either and the bed came with ProsPick's hidden latch system. Installation was relatively simple with clear instructions provided. The system includes nylon straps which attach to the bedsides to hold the tailgate when it is in the down position. They are plenty strong as I have sat my 210 pounds on the tailgate while down with no problem. None of the latch system is visible from the rear of the truck. I'm not familiar with LMC's hidden latch system but it is probably similar. 
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Kansas City area
Also try Classic Performance Parts. Their price might be a little less. I got mine there and got straps for the tailgate from my local Pick & Pull salvage yard. I used the cable straps out of a late model Bravada SUV for $10. Plenty strong. As far as the latches you have to drill some holes and do some finish filing.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by texcan
Thanks Greatnorthwoods, Do you have a link for the propick latches or kit? Would like to get the whole setup!
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Riverside, So Cal
I made up my own cable restraints:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=72203&width=0
I have seen others use cables from later model pickups as well.
There is a pretty cool looking setup that uses a scissor-style chromed folding restraint on each side, that looks like the brace on a card table leg. EdsF100 used them, but has no pic of it in his gallery. Maybe someone else has a pic and source for them.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=72203&width=0
I have seen others use cables from later model pickups as well.
There is a pretty cool looking setup that uses a scissor-style chromed folding restraint on each side, that looks like the brace on a card table leg. EdsF100 used them, but has no pic of it in his gallery. Maybe someone else has a pic and source for them.
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I have about 5$ in these boat bimini top straps.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,955
Likes: 9,727
From: Rio Rancho, NM
raerjim,
I take it those should be availabe from a local boat store? I've been looking for something similar. I rebuilt my tailgate and made my own hidded spring latches but I haven't come up with straps yet. My latest thought was to check out some of the straps at the local feed store, but you idea looks like what I'm after
Thanks for the tip
Bobby
I take it those should be availabe from a local boat store? I've been looking for something similar. I rebuilt my tailgate and made my own hidded spring latches but I haven't come up with straps yet. My latest thought was to check out some of the straps at the local feed store, but you idea looks like what I'm after
Thanks for the tip
Bobby
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,696
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From: S.W. Florida
That's correct, Bobby. Even in N.M. you should have some some boating supply stores nearby, if not try Boat U.S., Boaters world, West marine. (dot com, that is). I got the stuff you see in the pic at a marine surplus outlet. As you can see, the tailgate end I can disconnect, I measured twice, cut once, and had my wife sew to length. I do not trust it to sit on, however.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,955
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
Raerjim,
Yea, out here in NM boats are pretty popular, we havae great beaches. Heck half the state is a great beach (we don't have any water, but we have alot of beach)
I have some strapping. How hard is it to sew? did she sew it by hand or with a machine? Maybe I'll just sew my own. I like that yours has the hooks on it so that you can unhook the tailgate if needed.
Nice job
Bobby
Yea, out here in NM boats are pretty popular, we havae great beaches. Heck half the state is a great beach (we don't have any water, but we have alot of beach)
I have some strapping. How hard is it to sew? did she sew it by hand or with a machine? Maybe I'll just sew my own. I like that yours has the hooks on it so that you can unhook the tailgate if needed.
Nice job
Bobby
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,696
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From: S.W. Florida
The hook end came that way. Dee sewed mine by hand, being it was such a small job, but I think a machine would be stronger, especially if you really used a ton of stitching. I was just admiring your work on your tailgate. Great job..
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,955
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
Thanks
I pumped up now to make some straps. I'll do some experimenting with my sewing machine and see what I can come up with, if all else fails, I'll sew them by hand(now I'll have to go poking around the bolt bucket out in the shed and see if I can find those snap hooks that I used to have)
Thanks again
Bobby
I pumped up now to make some straps. I'll do some experimenting with my sewing machine and see what I can come up with, if all else fails, I'll sew them by hand(now I'll have to go poking around the bolt bucket out in the shed and see if I can find those snap hooks that I used to have)
Thanks again
Bobby
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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I installed the Pro's Pick hidden latches and was not terribly impressed with the plastic spring plunger that holds the tailgate closed. The plunger was made of cast nylon and fit the stainless mount pretty tightly. Problem with nylon is that it will absorb water from the air and expand a bit. The plungers would get hung up in the mount and not want to come out to hold the tailgate. I replaced them with quick release pins from McMaster. I got the 1/2" diameter by 1 1/2" long stainless ones with a lanyard attached. They work great and are cool cuz it looks like I ripped them off an airplane!
The other part I still don't like and haven't fixed is the web straps. They stretch when I sit on the tailgate, totally unacceptable for hanging out on a Saturday night! Two beers and I'm sliding off the tailgate and onto my butt. I'm going to look for some junk yard replacements after I put the frront end of the truck back together and get it running again. It could be a while before that happens at the rate I'm going.
The other part I still don't like and haven't fixed is the web straps. They stretch when I sit on the tailgate, totally unacceptable for hanging out on a Saturday night! Two beers and I'm sliding off the tailgate and onto my butt. I'm going to look for some junk yard replacements after I put the frront end of the truck back together and get it running again. It could be a while before that happens at the rate I'm going.