Tailgate handle ideas

[64shortbed]

I've had this idea for a little while now. I got some latches from a 75 c10 but i've been trying to figure out a handle because the 75 c10 one is to big to fit inside our 60-66 tailgate. Now after looking and looking for some kind of handle to use with out spending big money for big name parts. I think i found a handle that will work with little mods to it. Just putting this idea out there to get some feed back.

Now i think this handle can be mounted to the outside or the inside.

 

[64shortbed]

See if you can guess what the handle is from. It is a factory tailgate handle from another make.

 

[Lakeroadster]

F-o-r-d

Looks like a mid 60's Ford Tailgate handle... Grandpa had a F-100 1965, sure looks familiar.

I'd be tempted to go "handle delete", or at least something a bit more stealthy. I've been noodlin' over updating the latches on my stepside and was thinking of doing this to actuate some newer style latches...

 

[64shortbed]

Yep your right it's off a 66 f100. I'm just playing with the idea. I took chains off my truck a long time ago. Right now I just have a couple of slide latches holding it shut. I think this would be something different and I think I can mount the handle on either side of tailgate. I just wanted to see if I could put it outside of tailgate and it would look good? If I put it on inside I'd have to make a handle that would sit inside the bezel so it wouldn't interfer with loading and unloading. But I think it can be done. Right now I'm just playing with the idea on this extra tailgate.

 

[coilover]

We have got rid of the chains and tied the bed sides much more solid with seat belt latches. The yards usually charge about five bucks so the price is right. Works good on a step side as you can trip both latches and pull the gate open with your elbows. Too long a reach for a fleet side.

 

[50 Chevy LS3]

We have got rid of the chains and tied the bed sides much more solid with seat belt latches. The yards usually charge about five bucks so the price is right. Works good on a step side as you can trip both latches and pull the gate open with your elbows. Too long a reach for a fleet side.

Now that is the coolest idea. I would have NEVER thought of it. THANKS!

 

[64shortbed]

Think I'll put the handle on the inside instead? That way I keep the stock look and a custom latch.

 

[Lakeroadster]

Should work great and look great too.

 

[64shortbed]

Thanks. Here is a pic to give the idea of the finished look. I'm going to take a couple pieces of flat iron and drill and tap them. Then spot weld them in place to have a place to bolt the handle to. Think it should work out pretty nicely.

 

[64shortbed]

Another pic.

 

[64shortbed]

One 64 GMC with 66 f100 handle and 75 c10 latches! Works great!

 

[64shortbed]

The hole on the inside of tailgate with flat 1/4 flat metal spot welded in and tapped for the bolts.

 

[64shortbed]

The latches installed!

 

[64shortbed]

Latches installed in bed!

 

[64shortbed]

Sorry for all the post but can't upload more then one pic at a time.

Ok so I used 75 c10 latches that had to be trimmed so they wouldn't hit the bed sides. The handle is 66 f100. The rods I used the f100 ones but I had to make them 1/4 longer so they would work. What I did was cut the c10 ones 1/4 inch longer then what I cut the f100 ones and welded them together. I used most of the f100 rod because it has the hole in them needed to hold them in the handle. I didn't do anything to the latches in the bed other then remove the tailgate catches because they wouldn't work with where I had them mounted.

Works great! And keeps the stock look on the outside. Any questions just ask.

 

[64shortbed]

Oh and I did trim and bend handle to sit flat with tailgate.

 

[Ratnest]

It looks good partner and should be trouble free.

 

[coilover]

And it only takes one hand to open it.

 

[64shortbed]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1CB9x2eNsU

Here is a video of how it works. Hope you enjoy!

 

[Lakeroadster]

Nicely done.