Tailgate latch relocate help

[converted_to_datsun]

So my truck had the tailgate welded shut and I cut it open and got a new tailgate cause I wanna use it as a truck.

 

So onto my question... I've heard from a few people you can relocate the latches to the inside. Anyone have pics? I wanna see everything including the piece that the latch grabbs to latch shut

 

Here's some pics cause we all love oic's

 

Welded tailgate

 

Cut open

 

New tailgate

[Dat Lurka]

I've thought about relocating to the inside. I just thought of a great idea. I'll share it when I draw it up.

[converted_to_datsun]

Cool sounds good dude. I I've heard a couple ideas and skib had a truck where it was done.

[Dat Lurka]

I'm basically thinking slide latch mounted under the bed lip.

 

Basically this

 

Mounted so that gravity holds the "handle" in the forward slot when latched.

 

Tada.

[Dat Lurka]

Or even better

 

 

[Dat Lurka]

My latches are totally rusted out and sloppy.

[converted_to_datsun]

I like the spring loaded one! I could make it almost completely hidden. I have the peice that covers the back of the tailgate too

[Dat Lurka]

Yeah I was thinking mount it on the back with the handle through the gate or just put it under the hooks.

[sedition88]

I'll have to find it again, but I've seen someone take the stock latches and put them on the back side of the tailgate.

[Llittle_Llama]

The spring loaded one looks pretty neat, I like the idea of mounting it in the backside!

[datzenmike]

Take a latch off and place it on the inside top lip. When you got the tailgate you probably didn't get the other end on the box that the latch slides into. Should be easy enough to weld something in there. Those other latches look like shit. A fence staple and a bent nail would be just as good.

 

You can do this, so make it right. You'll be glad you did every time you look at it.

[Farmer]

A few members have done it before, but these guys, I think, did it the cleanest. Fontana620 and I believe the other one was Figbuck. Find their build threads.

 

Also need to remember, the stock latch grabs a hook type nub and pulls the bed corners inward to secure the tail gate. Those latched your showing, just blocks the tailgate from opening.

 

Larry

[wayno]

I have seen seatbelt buckles used on the inside, they were mounted in such a way that when you shut it they just latched, but when you opened it, you had to push the botton on both sides.

When I think about it right now, it seems like something would have to stick up for it to work though. :crying:

Seems like if it stuck up, it could get bent, but these were classic trucks that never hauled anything anymore.