just found a tailgate for my truck and I'm just wondering of how to keep it shut. my truck doesn't have the stock latching tabs on the bed sides any more and I'm trying to figure out how and go about fabbing a newer latching system into it. any info on things you guys have done will be much appreciated.
I think the hook and hinge style would be easy( thinking of the earlier chevy's) Or if you get the hardware for a newer style gate with the hardware could be sunk into the insides fairly easy.
Has any body converted this style latching system over to a new style before? I would be interested In how about doing it.
the tailgate is the same year range as the my bed, but i have no way of using the stock latching handles on each side of the tailgate, theres nothing for them to hook onto on the bed sides.
So you need the tailgate with the center handle??? My bed has little hooks on the bed rail that are welded in there... Other than getting the right gate for your bed, maybe you can try using those throw style cabinet locks to lock it from the inside???
its is the right tailgate for my truck, my truck is in my avatar its a 1980 the tail gate is off an 1980, the tailgate has the latches on each side, on my bed sides the hooks for those latches to hold the bed shut have been shaved off theres nothing there. i dont know how else to say it
gotcha. so you had an external handle latch style. and put on the style that has the center handle and internal latchs? you could probably get the internal parts off another truck and make them fit into your jambs. or, get a normal external latch gate. or go custom cabinet style. lol.
I know what your truck looks like bro... If it's the right gate so why isn't it working out for you.... Relax, were just trying to help you out here... In case you didn't know there are two different style gates made for these models 79-83. The older designed side latch hook and lock style and the more modern style center latch with side striker locks... I've seen 3 - '82 models just like mine (in my avatar) with the center style and mine is the side latcher.... Maybe previous owner swapped the bed out...
Check MCmaster-carr out and search "LATCHES". Many to chose from. I was going to buy a set until I found some latches in the J/Y. Link below. http://www.mcmaster.com/#rubber-latches/=413im6
this is a japanese tailgate notice the hooks under the lip with a single latch setup this is the tailgate I have on my truck. two side latches. It grabs to hooks. This is the type I cant seem to find anywhere. These two come from my year toy 86 just different types I hope this helps or at least clear some of this up
I found out a while ago that my bed is not the same year as the rest of my truck. its of the 81 thru 83 model. theres not a hole lot of difference but, my bed originaly had the threaded holes for the striker peice but the guy filled them in with bondo lol. So I got that all scraped out and im now in need of a tailgate with the center handle and side strikers.
