Tailgate security solution needed

[WoodinVillain]

1986 c10 needs a tailgate lock/security solution.
Notworried about tailgate theft. I need something to lock my tailgate with a key with tonneau closed. Of course i know nothing is truly theft proof, but rather a “deterrent” to casual walker by, just opening it freely.

I seem to remember Pop & Lock used to sell these for squares, but for some reason no longer do for square bodies . They start with 1988 +.

What are you guys doing to lock your tailgate with tonneau?
Whether it be a product or some slick custom solution..

(Fwiw, i have not bought the tonneau yet in case that is affected by the solution.
Currently have an old ultralight tall Gem Top. Great function… but not “summer fun” or sheckzy..

Thanks for any actual solution, especially with www. Link to a product. Or great pics/description of a custom solution or hack. Im totally open.

 

[TotalyHucked]

I have never seen one for these trucks, I'd definitely be curious to see if anyone has/knows of one. I will say generally, a normal soft tonneau has been enough to ward off idle hands for me so far and I've had my truck in some sketchy areas overnight. Thankfully with no issues

 

[Ricko1966]

Install this in the tail gate like a door lock,attach 1 latch pull rod to it,so you have to turn it to pull one latch in,luft the handle for the other. Or use an electric pull solenoid with a reed switch or keyed electric switch. It would make opening a 2 handed operation though. Another thought would be install this with a pull rod or wire going from this to the handle. When it's turned one way,it pulls at the handle in the opposite direction preventing a pull rod from pulling out the latch.

 

[WFO]

If the tonneau has it's own lock, couldn't you use a barrel bolt lock on the inside of your tailgate?

 

[Tonimus]

You could use stepside latch pins. Just one side would deter most people.

https://www.lmctruck.com/body-components/bed-tailgate/cc-hidden-tailgate-latch-kit

 

[saltdog]

You need one of these

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[saltdog]

sorry-couldn't resist

 

[Sad Sack]

You need one of these

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Funniest commercials ever made!

 

[WoodinVillain]

100% getting a trunk monkey!!!

 

[WoodinVillain]

If the tonneau has it's own lock, couldn't you use a barrel bolt lock on the inside of your tailgate?

The tonneaus ive seen that are available for mine dont seem to have a security option 5hat secures the tailgate. At least that ive found.

 

[WoodinVillain]

You could use stepside latch pins. Just one side would deter most people.

https://www.lmctruck.com/body-components/bed-tailgate/cc-hidden-tailgate-latch-kit

Getting closer! This has me thinking about a customizing a simple “dead-bolt” with key option if I dont find anything. Custom is often cooler.. but takes a lot of work even for simple mods.. though not quite this….

 

[Ricko1966]

Getting closer! This has me thinking about a customizing a simple “dead-bolt” with key option if I dont find anything. Custom is often cooler.. but takes a lot of work even for simple mods.. though not quite this….

Really not much custom to make 1 factory latch,1 premade lock cylinder,all you have to make is one pull rod. One factory latch would be your dead bolt. The lock cylinder I pictured in my previous post would be what pulled the dead bolt out of the pocket,really not much to it. Actually just disconnect 1 latch rod. Install key cylinder,run a pull wire from lock cylinder to latch. Use a cylinder like pictured,not a typical keyed cylinder. I'm afraid you would eventually twist a key off. If you park the cylinder in the right position it will be,twist the key 1 latch stays undone,lift the handle to open the tail gate. You could apply the sane pull wire lock cyl8nder principle to the tailgate pin someone else showed.