Ditiching the tail gate chains,

[GMR-PERFORMANCE]

I have seen seat belt latches used , gate latches, so ideas for a fleet side would be great.

[gimmy 64]

mar-k sells the best one iv'e seen. i bought the hole tailgate and and latching assemble.

[MisterC]

Originally Posted by gimmy 64

mar-k sells the best one iv'e seen. i bought the hole tailgate and and latching assemble.

After looking at many, many options...that is hands down the best option that I've seen and will be the way I go.

[jocko]

I think it is the best approach to the problem as well. I have not done it yet, maybe if you have the time, you can take some pics of the process and post!? The seat belt approach and some of the others are cool also - but to me they are more for "customs" - the Mar-K approach just looks natural. Some folks leave the little gap in the bodywork where the chain bar was and some weld em in.

[rbar]

I used MAR-K and I'm very happy with it. The thing I've wondered about on the seat belt approach is that I see them welded in and what if it breaks or starts rusting? Alot messier to replace it then. The metal arms in the kit worked out well to.
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[1Bad62Pro/Street]

Swinging tailgates:

[Clyde65]

I got rid of them too, I took the loop that the hook goes into off, used some of those slide locks attached to the tailgate and drilled a hole in the stake pocket so the pin goes into the hole. cheap and quick. Ill get pics if yall want me to

[GMR-PERFORMANCE]

The mark K kit I knew about and was wondering if there was anything else. Grabbed a stock gate for 45 bucks. Was driving down a side street and happen to see it leaning against a fence. No dents or rust!!!! My old one was smashed in badly.

The swing out looks cool but not for me, I thought about slicing open my gate and adding in late style GM latches with the main latch on the inside. At this point I want simple,... I wanna drive my truck HA HA

IS there a swing out kit? as what I read it had to be fabbed up.

[scottveazie]

I like the simplicity of the mar-k kit, but I also like the look of the stock chains. What if I just used the innards (the strap supports when open) and kept the chains on the outside to secure it closed? Does that sound stupid?

[PAPA KENT]

here are some pictures of mine.this truck started out fawn then was painted met.gold then white,and the white was very old when i purchased the truck. and with the quality of the body work between the gold and the white i could easily see that these latches were installed when the gold was applied which looked to be many years ago.the buckles are rust free and work very well.i ha'vnt had to use lubricant on them and the installation of course is simple though i wish it still retained it's chains.

good luck!

[61_FL_Apache]

Do you have one on each side? If so, do you find it awkward to push both of them and open the tailgate at the same time? I like the idea and its very clean.

[GMR-PERFORMANCE]

Yes they do run them on both sides and I can just reach both latches with the tips of my fingers. Maybe a guy that is 6'2 with longer arms would be able to do it easier, that is one reason I am not sold on the seat belt idea. Very cool and creative, but my arms are just not long enough..

[61_FL_Apache]

I'm 6-0 and can probably reach, but wonder if it would be better to just run with one latch. I dont have chains anymore and im using slide bolt latches in the inside. It works, but not the best look.

[jason65]

I have the Mar-K tailgate with the latches and handle built in. It works and looks great.

[rbar]

I can easily reach both MAR-K knobs, but if you can't, each one will lock open with a twist, which is also nice for not forgetting and closing the tailgate with the rods out and damage the back of the bed sides.
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[PAPA KENT]

Originally Posted by 61_FL_Apache

Do you have one on each side? If so, do you find it awkward to push both of them and open the tailgate at the same time? I like the idea and its very clean.

yes,one on each side.gmr mentioned reaching both latches at the same time might be a problem and that would be true for me but i'm 6'0 so that is'nt a problem but the cool part is i put a small bubber bumper in on one side to keep the gate from rattling and it keeps just enough tension on one side so you can open one at a time with no problems and that would'nt cost you much money.

[Iron-Butt]

I have the Mar-k latckes and they work great

[bigdlb12]

Originally Posted by PAPA KENT

here are some pictures of mine.this truck started out fawn then was painted met.gold then white,and the white was very old when i purchased the truck. and with the quality of the body work between the gold and the white i could easily see that these latches were installed when the gold was applied which looked to be many years ago.the buckles are rust free and work very well.i ha'vnt had to use lubricant on them and the installation of course is simple though i wish it still retained it's chains.

good luck!

I like the seat belt locking ones, looks like something I can do myself, but my truck is stepside, wonder how it would look

and if the weather will miss up the seatbelt ones with time

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

(( 1960-1966 Chevy/GMC Pickup Truck Restoration/Modification/Customization Ideas
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=402277


Tailgate Latches:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=402255
http://www.mar-k.com/tailgate_closure.html