Making hidden tail gate latches

[enjenjo]

The owner of this truck wanted hidden latches, with a central release.  I searched around, and could not find a kit that satisfied him, so he gave me the go ahead to make one. The latches are some bearclaws I got from Ball's Hot  Rod parts. These are even smaller than the mini bearclaws that everone sells. They are 1/2" thick, 1 1/8" wide, and 2 5/8" tall, just right for this application. This tailgate gets a louvered cover, so all this will be hidden when it's done. Outside of the latches, I used the winding stem out of a GM window lift, and a window winder crank, also from a GM car. The rest of the parts I made.

[chimp koose]

nice work!

[UGLY OLDS]

Neat idea & neat work...Ain't it fun to think "outside the box"      





Bob............

[57larry]

a great work of art. thanks for sharing

[grazza]

Your a clever chap and that is an nice piece of engineering.

There will be a couple of large cartons delivered to your place in the next few days.  After you have assembled all the bits contained therein it should resemble a '27 Ford Roadster. When you have finished the assembly, just give me a call and I'll slide over and pick it up. Thanks mate!!    

[nzsimon]

Awesome

[enjenjo]

Your a clever chap and that is an nice piece of engineering.

There will be a couple of large cartons delivered to your place in the next few days.  After you have assembled all the bits contained therein it should resemble a '27 Ford Roadster. When you have finished the assembly, just give me a call and I'll slide over and pick it up. Thanks mate!!    

No need to go to that trouble, I'll ship it freight collect.

[kb426]

I like it.

[39deluxe]

Great idea but won't he miss the chains rattling on the new paint?

The problem with most of the kits is they are not made for a stepside tailgate. I am planning on a louvered panel on my tailgate too so this just might be the thing for me to do.

Tom

[alchevy]

I bought a kit from Pro's Pick to use on my '81 Chevy Stepside Truck but I sold that truck so I will use them on the '48 Chevy Pickup I am building. The only problem I can see with this one is how do you open up both sides at the same time using both hands and then I guess you have the tailgate in your mouth or tucked under your chin.
Here's the one I am talking about:
http://www.pros-pick.com/hiddenlatchkits.html

AL