The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1967 - 1972 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 06-14-2022, 04:38 PM   #1
CarlsLQ9SS
Senior Member
 
CarlsLQ9SS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: London, Ky
Posts: 1,164
Bear claw type tailgate latch alternative

I am thinking about fabbing up a bear claw type tailgate latch on my 71 gmc. I have seen some aftermarket, but can’t remember who made them. Anyhow I have been looking at the setup on the 99 to 06 Silverado and I think it will be fairly easy to make this work for our trucks. Only thing is I wish they was a little smaller so they might fit the tailgate holes without having to modify it much. Do any of you guys know of a smaller type latch with the bear claw design that might fit better? I know I could buy them aftermarket but they are pricey. Any ideas are appreciated.
Attached Images
 
__________________
Carl
1971 GMC short bed, (Henry)
Options I've added, tilt, ac, 8k tach,
Electric speedometer conversion for LS swap,
6.0 with 823 heads and BTR stage 4 truck cam,
4L80e, posi with 3.73 rear end,
Power steering and power brakes
Lowered 5/7. Frame up build.
CarlsLQ9SS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2022, 05:53 PM   #2
notsolo
Registered User
 
notsolo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Md
Posts: 2,454
Re: Bear claw type tailgate latch alternative

Maybe not what your looking for, but Horkeys woodandparts has a cam lock for inside the bed, might give you an idea, etc.
notsolo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2022, 07:42 PM   #3
68 P.O.S.
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Puyallup, WA
Posts: 1,661
Re: Bear claw type tailgate latch alternative

Here's an option https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tfg-ael-ct6772
__________________
72 C10 lwb fleetside -stock 350/350 combo
68 P.O.S. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2022, 09:52 PM   #4
Myself
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Northern Arkansas
Posts: 1,128
Re: Bear claw type tailgate latch alternative

Autoloc is a well known supplier

https://www.autoloc.com/catalog/Bear-Claw-Latches
Myself is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2022, 10:59 PM   #5
CarlsLQ9SS
Senior Member
 
CarlsLQ9SS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: London, Ky
Posts: 1,164
Re: Bear claw type tailgate latch alternative

Thanks everyone for your responses, the Altman easy latches are reasonable and will probably go with them for the doors. But the kit I found is by Tre5 customs for the tailgate. It’s a really nice kit but it’s kinda pricey for just the tailgate. Here is a link to it.
https://www.vannattafabrication.com/...C10-p431989268
__________________
Carl
1971 GMC short bed, (Henry)
Options I've added, tilt, ac, 8k tach,
Electric speedometer conversion for LS swap,
6.0 with 823 heads and BTR stage 4 truck cam,
4L80e, posi with 3.73 rear end,
Power steering and power brakes
Lowered 5/7. Frame up build.
CarlsLQ9SS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-15-2022, 12:25 PM   #6
CarlsLQ9SS
Senior Member
 
CarlsLQ9SS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: London, Ky
Posts: 1,164
Re: Bear claw type tailgate latch alternative

I decided to go ahead and use what I have. I’m going to make the 99 to 06 Silverado tailgate latches work. Here is some pics of my progress
Attached Images
    
__________________
Carl
1971 GMC short bed, (Henry)
Options I've added, tilt, ac, 8k tach,
Electric speedometer conversion for LS swap,
6.0 with 823 heads and BTR stage 4 truck cam,
4L80e, posi with 3.73 rear end,
Power steering and power brakes
Lowered 5/7. Frame up build.

Last edited by CarlsLQ9SS; 06-15-2022 at 01:44 PM.
CarlsLQ9SS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-31-2022, 08:15 AM   #7
chewychevy67
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Here
Posts: 5,426
Re: Bear claw type tailgate latch alternative

So how did you do the pin on the bed side with the arms? Did you modify the originals or use the cable type? Ant pictures of that area? Also what Rod's did you use from the latch to the catches?
chewychevy67 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2023, 09:44 AM   #8
CarlsLQ9SS
Senior Member
 
CarlsLQ9SS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: London, Ky
Posts: 1,164
Re: Bear claw type tailgate latch alternative

I put this on hold initially because I needed wire and argon for my mig. I did get what I needed but with building a house and other projects I never finished it. As for the bed latch pin I'm using the one from the 99 to 06 Silverado mounted to a steel plate and hope to use the same tailgate cable from the newer truck as well. I will get back on this soon and post updates.
__________________
Carl
1971 GMC short bed, (Henry)
Options I've added, tilt, ac, 8k tach,
Electric speedometer conversion for LS swap,
6.0 with 823 heads and BTR stage 4 truck cam,
4L80e, posi with 3.73 rear end,
Power steering and power brakes
Lowered 5/7. Frame up build.
CarlsLQ9SS is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:04 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com