Converting RH Tailgate Latch To LH

[KT40]

So I am going to make my own tailgate out of a set of barn doors and need to get a latch for the left side. I had two rights and decided to modify one for the left side. Here are the pics from doing it.
Here is what I started with. There actually from right hand spare tire carriers.

Drilled out the spot welds.

Drilled the ends to remove the pins.

 

[KT40]

Exploded view

Line where cut will be made

Cut in progress-stopped to show size of kerf from cut off wheel

 

[KT40]

Clamped for welding

All welded

Ground clean

 

[KT40]

Plug welded back together

 

[KT40]

And VOLA!!!




Just a little paint prep and its ready to go!
All in all it took me about 2 -1/2 hours to do this. Not bad.

 

[cjgoode]

good job and write up with pictures. Thanks

 

[spotcruiser]

Good job.

 

[3DAMAN!]

good job and write up with pictures. Thanks

X2

 

[Rigger]

A great how-to thread. Nice going!

 

[misterpepper]

It's always good to see people going out of their way to share something like this with the rest of the landcruiser community. Thanks. It's a very clear write-up with great pictures, with one exception -- what did you do about the pins that you drilled out to remove? Were they plug welded as well? Maybe if I had a hinge like that in front of me it would be clear, but just reading it I'm left with questions.

 

[KT40]

Thanks for the good comments!

It's always good to see people going out of their way to share something like this with the rest of the landcruiser community. Thanks. It's a very clear write-up with great pictures, with one exception -- what did you do about the pins that you drilled out to remove? Were they plug welded as well? Maybe if I had a hinge like that in front of me it would be clear, but just reading it I'm left with questions.

As far as the pins go, They seem to have been swedged from the factory. The only way to reuse them, is to plug weld them. If you look at the exploded pic, the pins have worn grooves on them. I actually used a piece of grade 8, 5/16'' bolt, which is what the original size measures, to replace the shorter pin. Worked out well. If I had to do it over, I would have replaced both pins. I may even redrill the longer one out and replace.

 

[whitey45]

Ken, while your at it can I drop off a hinge for mods!!! P.S. I have a mint tailgate sitting in the shop Nice thread!

 

[kling-on]

WOW very nice job

 

[KT40]

Ken, while your at it can I drop off a hinge for mods!!! P.S. I have a mint tailgate sitting in the shop Nice thread!

Now you tell me!
That would be great if I can borrow that hinge. This way too you can help me diagnose my friggen TBI issues!!

 

[whitey45]

Stop by the shop with th 40 and we can scan and figure out the tbi bs,its usually something simple.Dont forget to bring the pto!!

 

[KT40]

I will try to bring it down this week-If it can make it!! Running wierd!