Hot Rods Hidden tailgate latches now what?

I started working on my tailgate. I changed my latches and want to do any other changes before I paint it. I was thinking I want to use cables and don't know what kind to order or how I am going to mount them to my 1948 Chevy truck box so if anyone has gone down this road I would like your input also I am thinking where the hinge holes are its going to rub off the paint and rust so maybe I should add a stainless sleeve in the sides of the tailgate and cut off the hinge parts that go in the tailgate and put stainless pins in the hinge holes but maybe someone has a better Idea that doesn't cost a lot this truck is something I work on when I have the time and money and it is turning out to be expensive.

 

I like the look of rubber sleeved chain , they look kinda odd without them.

 

Thought maybe you installed them and couldn't find them now LOL

 

Maybe you could use the cable and reels from a 50's 60's station wagon for the tailgate.

 

heat shrink chain works well