IH8LATCHES - Tailgate mod buildup

[miletwo]

So, after fighting with the old style latches in every dang door on my rig, and never really getting them to work right, I've decided to replace all of the latches on my '75 FJ55 with bear claw latches all around, including (and starting with) the tailgate. I got the idea from a recent Fj45 buildup thread and after much research decided this would allow for much more consistent and reliable latching with a more modern mechanism.

Picture attached is how I expect to weld in the bear claw. I expect to use the existing handle and linkage. I also ordered the aftermarket/OEM (don't know which it is, but it's new) handle from $OR.

I ordered the two sets of the large latch kits from Guage magazine store, since even if they don't appear to go well in the tailgate, I'll definitely be using them in my doors. I'll order the smaller size next if the large appears to be too big. I managed to get the locks and install kit (striker plate and weld-in/pre cut sheet metal) for only $45 together as a combo. Most sites sell each piece for $35.

I'll be posting actual pics of the tailgate and new latches as soon as they arrive. Also, considering using a newer style cable support in place of the old spring and hinge setup. This is NOT a resoration project so I'm opting for many newer style replacements for parts as I build it up.

Any thoughts?

 

[usmcruiser]

I am looking forward to this. I am having some serious issues opening my tailgate and it is driving me nutso. This way you get to do all the hard work and head aches, and I just get to learn and mooch off your knowledge.

thanks,

 

[tonkota]

Cool. Tear it up and post a bunch of pictures. I need to figure out how to get my window the rest of the way down....

Good idea by the way.

 

[snailwagon]

Cool, my least favorite part of 55s has always been latches. I have replaced every door regulator + latch on my 69 and have problems with the tailgate latches occasionally. I haven't seen this done yet, so fire away.

 

[rapovt]

I have a bearclaw latch that opens with an electric solenoid on my 40 ford panel truck. It works great. I got it from rockyhinge.com. A wide variety and a real nice guy

 

[miletwo]

Tailgate handle came today. New in box from SOR. Still waiting on the latches and we'll get to welding.

I took some more measurements yesterday, but I've found that the stock latch only protrudes about 1/2" from the side of the tailgate. The sealing rubber sits right outside of that so I'm a little concerned about the space available to put these latches. That being said... I'm determined!

I WILL latch my damned tailgate.

 

[nat]

Wow, cool idea.........looking forward to more

 

[miletwo]

Latches came on Friday. Unpacked and started inking in the cuts... looks like it's going to work out well. I'll be working on it this week and post pics as I go.

Also... I've found a possible replacement for tailgate hinge bushings. I've placed the order from McMaster Carr and will let the board know when they arrive if they're a good fit or not.

Cheers,

Jeremy

 

[LC_Hamma]

Latches came on Friday. Unpacked and started inking in the cuts... looks like it's going to work out well. I'll be working on it this week and post pics as I go.

Also... I've found a possible replacement for tailgate hinge bushings. I've placed the order from McMaster Carr and will let the board know when they arrive if they're a good fit or not.

Cheers,

Jeremy

Plastic or bronze bushing? When I peeled my cracked plastic bushings out, I realized with a little drilling of the tailgate mount, you can run a much longer lasting bronze bushing. I got my door handle bronze bushings from McMaster-Carr as well.....

 

[miletwo]

I ordered bronze bushings for the tailgate. If I measured correctly, they'll push in perfectly and still be tight.

As to the tailgate latches (the point of this thread), I got the passenger side installed tonight. Aside from my sucky welding skillz... I think it came out okay. I'm a tad concerned about fitment with the striker bolt, but once I get the hinges installed with new bushings and see how it all moves I think I'll be able to get the striker aligned to make it work.

Pics of day 1 at http://www.miletwo.com/cruiser/tailgate/step1.html

I'll get to grinding and cleaning it up tomorrow, but Heroes is on so I gotta run.

Cheers-n-

 

[PabloCruise]

I ordered bronze bushings for the tailgate. If I measured correctly, they'll push in perfectly and still be tight.

As to the tailgate latches (the point of this thread), I got the passenger side installed tonight. Aside from my sucky welding skillz... I think it came out okay. I'm a tad concerned about fitment with the striker bolt, but once I get the hinges installed with new bushings and see how it all moves I think I'll be able to get the striker aligned to make it work.

Pics of day 1 at http://www.miletwo.com/cruiser/tailgate/step1.html

I'll get to grinding and cleaning it up tomorrow, but Heroes is on so I gotta run.

Cheers-n-

Wow! I am in a lot of trouble on my Pig, aren't I?

How are things going? Or are you taking the week off?

 

[miletwo]

No work on the piggy this week. I'm in charge of the thanksgiving meal at my house. I did some grinding and cleaned up that side, them marked out the location of the striker by reaching inside the tailgate, through the opening of the latch plate and marked the location of center for the striker. It should be a pretty simple task to cut and weld the striker bolt plate in place.

I may get some work done on Saturday, but I leave for Michigian for a couple of weeks on Sunday so no major work until I get back.

 

[890man]

Can't wait to see how these turn out. I have thought about doing the same thing. Thought about it for the doors as well.

 

[890man]

Any updates?

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

could you say where you got the latch out of curiosity?

 

[tonkota]

I think it was here:
http://store.gaugemagazine.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3791

Correct me if I am wrong