Bed cover build with/power lock

[Hoodbj]

Then I drilled a hole through the bed and cab to get the wire into the cab. I went ahead and removed the seats to get the wire under the carpet easier. After running it under the carpet I tied the two wires into the same colored wires under the dash as the actuator. One wire is tan and the other is gray. (One is lock and the other is unlock but don't remember which is which)

 

[Hoodbj]

Next I took the spring out of a spring latch I had bought. This now is what the actuator moves in and out to lock/unlock.

 

[Hoodbj]

Then I put a bolt through the hole in the end of the actuator and the end of the latch to connect the two. I then screwed the latch to the bedcover with self drillers .

 

[Hoodbj]

Next I built something for the latch to slide into. I used a piece of 1 inch angle and a piece of 2 inch flatbar. I connected the two together with rivets and riveted the piece to the tailgate. Trying to figure out exactly where this needs to be is a little tricky since this piece has to close against the latch accurately.

 

[Hoodbj]

Here's a couple of pics of the it locked and unlocked. They're a little close since I had to climb in the bed and shut the bedcover. Here's a pic of it locked .

 

[Hoodbj]

And unlocked.

 

[Hoodbj]

Just realized I put this in electrical and not exterior. My eyes aren't what they used to be! Is it possible for someone to move this thread to exterior?

 

[dhamp]

Good idea on this project! I like when people bring the newer conveniences over to these older rides.

 

[Hoodbj]

Thanks. I do too. I have a suburban I bought for parts and have been trying to think of anything I could pull off of it before sending it to the salvage yard. I had manual windows and door locks and took the power from the burb and put in the truck. I had the back door locks and window motors from the burb and just thinking of something to do with them.

 

[89Suburban]

Just realized I put this in electrical and not exterior. My eyes aren't what they used to be! Is it possible for someone to move this thread to exterior?

Would you like it merged together with the lid thread and pinned or just moved to exterior?

 

[Hoodbj]

It doesn't matter to me 89. Whatever you think is best. Thank you!

 

[RetroC10Sport]

Something I would do. I love it!

 

[Kim Burke]

Super late but just stumbled onthis thread. How has it held up?
Love the flush mount top. Is it heavy enough to sit chairs on and watch a race or kids at soccer? Rhino-lined surface appears to be tough enough for foot traffic. Just what I'd like if I did it to mine.
Great thread thanks for sharing. You did an outstanding job.

 

[Hoodbj]

I ended up pulling it off, I had the truck repainted and the black rhino liner didn’t mesh. As far as sitting on it with chairs it’d definitely hold up to that. The family has stood on it with no issues. It still looks the same as when I built it.

 

[eskimomann209]

Awe Man
That’s rough to hear!
Can’t have the liner painted to match?