Hello all, I am thinking of getting a 81 2wd sb and it has a single latch tailgate. I have always liked the double latch look and wanted to know how hard it would be to convert it from single to double latch and what all would you need to do?

 

well you are gonna need a side latch tail gate unless you have the capability to fill the hole left by the center latch
the latches

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-1980-19...xWNq~k&vxp=mtr

and the anchors the latches attach to

 

pretty much like said above, but I'm thinking you might even get away with swapping your tailgate for the earlier years of your model. I've seen some with and without the latches, assuming they changed it up around 80/81? hopefully that's the only difference and it'd be a fairly simple swap if you have all the parts.

latches are available new too. I havent yet come across the anchors anywhere online, but it's a really simple piece of metal that's easily home fabbed if need be. I agree filling of the hole is the most difficult part and would discourage most.

 

I want to completely replace the tailgate with the double latch, I just didn't know how it is set up on the bed side is it as easy as unbolting what's there and replacing it with the anchors or is it more involved?


I am going to look at the 81 soon, other than rust and mechanical issues what are the main things to look for as a no go for buying a yota.


I have uploaded some pics of it, please tell me what you think please.