Technical tail gate latches

If you put a pull handle in the center of the top roll of the tailgate to pull both pins that becomes real slick

 

I also used the seat belt buckles and scrap stainless straps to hold the tailgate when open.

 

VERY SANO!

 

I made these for my '57.

 

Actually pins are spring loaded. Pull the two buttons to release and simply push back in place to secure.

 

Personally I think the seat belt latches look like an 80's street rod thing. I used small marine latches.

 

About those seat belt latches.........HOW do you mash the button on BOTH latched at the same time?!
If you mash one....then go mash the other one.....the first one would need mashing again! Understand? (Unless you have your buddy mash one side while you do the other side!)
6sally6

 

I like it! More pics and details, please...

 

I have a 5 gallon bucket of bear claw latches, nader bolts, actuator rods, that i have scavenged over the years. Just the small, basic latches. Go meander around the salvage yard, if you can fab, you can make something pretty cool that won't even be seen.

 

While I have never done it. Those beds are only 4' wide. I would stand behind the truck and place each hand on a latch and depress them both at the same time and pull the tail gate open.

 

I have a tailgate with hidden latches. The latches are spring loaded and connected by a cable. A handle in the middle can be twisted, pulling the cable to release both sides at once

 

Had this set-up on my C-10 Fleetside, luckily one of the latches always stuck! Also adapted MoPar tailgate arms and recessed them into the tailgate so that they were hidden when closed.

 

I used a late model center handle, rod actuated latch on my '53 Chevy pickup. Had to adjust the length of the rods, figure out where to mount the handle, and weld up a sheet metal cover for it but works great. Rods hide inside the tailgate roll. Sorry, didn't take more detailed pics of the installation and I sold the truck but these show how it looks finished. Plastic coated aircraft cables screwed in place on each side limit opening.

Go to Pick-A-Part, get an import pickup tailgate with center latch, including the strike plates on the bed corners and with a little anatomy scratching, you can figure it out.

 

They are just a standard marine latch that everyone that sells marine products seems to carry. I think I paid about $20 Cdn each for them up here. Being marine they are designed to be exposed to elements so I figure they should last. Chrome plated brass.