I ask this question in my thread on tailgating, but I'm afraid it may be lost within all the posts. I now have my tailgate hinged and I am trying to come up with a way to latch it on the inside. Anyone got any "Trick" ideas on latches? Also any ideas on holding the tailgate in the open position? I don't want to use chains or cables.



Keep in mind there is no stop inside the bed at present and I would like for the latch to act as the stop.



Suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

you could try the old 66 to 77 bronco style to keep it in the open position, the one with two flat pieces of metal that hinge in the middle. or maybe some hood shocks. oh, or maybe some air actuators, "open your tailgate with a flip of a switch, that would be cool. just an idea tho.

 

I fabbed my own spring pin latches that fit in the upper tailgate roll;

There's some more pics in this gallery;
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...&albumid=25568

I couldn't think of a decent hidden strap system. I ended up sewing up some nylon straps.

Bobby

 

Said this in the other topic but I still think a El Camino style latch (sliding pin at top of tail gate that slides into a pin opening) to hold it closed.

To hold it open I would say you could design a stop inside of the pipe behind the "sleeve bushing" you installed where it limits the travel movement and it would stop and hold the tail gate level. Would remove all need of external supports. Might not be able to hold much weight doing it like this but I dont hink your doing it for hauling cargo.

 

There are a couple styles of latch/locks out there for sale. I have some in the parts box that are a simple lock and pin - heavy duty and made out of Billet Al.

I'll try to post a picture tomorrow - I thought I had one.

 

Thanks Bobby, that is one slick latch!!!! Great gallery with lots of info.

Andrew

 

I am using similar latches in the upper tailgate roll. you have to be very careful.. the original (Mar-K, Carpenter, MF), have a point for centering the latch hole.. but WILL scratch the paint otherwise..

and you still have to be careful not to scratch the paint between the latch hole edge and the back of the bed sidewall edge.

I am currently using the MF stainless cables for holding the tailgate..
I am worried they will rub against the bedsides.. the plastic shield on the outside is really a cable dip, so the cable still has some definition to it..

"POLISHED STAINLESS SUPPORT CABLE
Cable only, 22” cable is covered with clear plastic.
Show Quality high polish . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0262"
page 118

Sam

 

What about mounting a thin polished stainless steel scuff plate that the pin latches into and you wont ave to worry about scratched paint?

 

Since your tailgate will rotate forward, why not put a set of holes on the bed sides, near the floor. Just high enough to not let the tailgate touch the floor and the slide latch would be on the bottom, out of sight. For a lite load, cover the tailgate for protection. I think folding forward would look neat and you could drive with the tailgate open. chuck

 

planning, planning, planning..

Sam

 

I mean idea is up to you on what to do but I think a hidden latch in the top that slides back and forth would be cool. If you could do a small square stock in the inside of the pivot hinge on the tail gate you could machine it as a stop some way.

But I think stainless steel scuffplate would stop the scratching anyways. I mean ford used stainless steel door sill plates as well as stainless steel rock guards that goes on the fender as well as the fender skirts also.

 

Sam,

Good point. I hadn't considered it....I'm about a million miles away from having to worry about scratching paint....lol. The tips of my pins are blunt but they would still mar the paint over time if you weren't careful. I'm not sure if I like my nylon straps either. While driving the wind whips them up and they flop all over the place....not to cool looking.

I fabbed my own spring pin latches because I am cheap....lol. I couldn't see dropping theh bucks for ready made ones when I could whup them up on my own

Bobby

 

Thanks to all that have replied so far. Some very good ideas. I'm still looking for something that will allow me to "just close the tailgate" and it will latch without me having to actuate the latching mechanism. I may not have looked far enough ahead in constructing the tailgate to incorporate this type of feature. I had actually thought about using some of the small bear claw latches, but I think it would cause me to have to cut back into all the work I've already done. ( I'm not ready to do that yet!!) I'm still looking for something that will be simple, so I'm still listening to your ideas.

The gas charged cylinders are a real thought for tailgate stays, just unlatch the tailgate and let it do its thing opening up. Just like a hatch on an SUV.

I won't initially be too worried about paint, cause it's gonna run in suede for a while. With all the changes I've made to this truck, I want to make sure that I don't have some problems jump up and "bite" me after a nice paint job is done.

Keep the ideas coming, I still haven't come up with any solid plan. Bobby, I still think that latch you made is a great example of what can be done with just a little thought. Me personally, I appreciate the homebuilt stuff more than going out and buying the big buck parts. Being retired, I find the big bucks harder to come by these days.

Andrew

 

Drew,

For a few years seatbelt style latches were popular on tailgates. They would allow you to just close the gate.

Sit back, sip a few frosties and let the ideas roll around, I'm sure you will come up with something cool.

Bobby

 

You mean these trucks are supposed to have tail gates
Crap now I have something else to look for............ anyone have a spare gate for a 53 anywhere near me
Seriously, I like mostly52f1's idea of the two flat pieces of steel...... I had some trucks with those, do not remember which ones though, but they worked great and were hidden when the gate was closed.