FootStomper,
Your idea of a hidden truck release latch sounds interesting. Other options for hidden tailgate latches I seen are a inside slide lock design and a seatbelt buckle design. These can be acquired form places like Summit Racing, Jegs, Rodtiques, etc. Fairly common I guess. Another idea that I saw was a custom tailgate latch the Kindig Designs did on a fully custom AD truck. Completely hidden. Check out the Kindig Design back episodes on Velocity.
Tim
