The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks 1964 c10 short wide bed tail gate mods

i would like to eliminate the tailgate chains on my 64 c10, mabe even make the gate open sideways. info on hinges and latches would be great!

Mar-K makes hidden latches. I used them on my '48.

http://www.mar-k.com/Catalog/catalog.aspx

One issue with a side hinged tailgate is the weight of the tailgate hanging on the bed side. Structurally speaking, the bed sides are not very strong at the back of the truck. They rely on the latched tailgate to tie the sides together for strength.

Not saying it can't be done, just saying to do it right would require some extra support to tie the bed side to the rear bed cross sill.

http://www.mar-k.com/installation_hints.aspx

I was afraid of how the hinge attached to the tailgate. It isnt attached with very heavy hardware. Looks like it wouldnt support much weight or get loose over time.

Well I am not there yet, but one of my future plans will be to try and incorporate the tailgate latch mechanism from a 67-72 into my 64 tailgate. I think it would be possible to put the handle right under the upper portion of the tailgate just before it goes to single thickness (not sure if that makes sense).
Also, I am not sure if I would use the 67-72 hinges or go with a cable much like the newer models.
I want it to be one of those things (look somewhat original) that when people see it they have to look twice to recall that there should be chains and not the latch assembly.