The latches have a 3/4" inch slot 1/4" wide so a 1/4" carriage bolt fits in the slot and has some adjustment.
I used 1/4" carriage bolts 1 1/2" long I then triple nutted them. The triple nutting allows the clamping knob to tighten against the top of the three nuts. I also removed one coil on the latch spring, this makes it a little easier to release for my wife. The spring could be eliminated but I like the latch to snap back just makes it a simple when closing.
I marked the tailgate. (My dimensions were 1/4 inch different left to right so do not count on these dimensions to be the same truck to truck.)
I drilled two 1/4" holes 1 1/4" on center apart.
I then used a cut off wheel to cut out the slot.
I assembled it using the plates from a 1 1/2" u-bolt clamp as washers. These gave it some extra structure and a finished look (I am going to powder coat them white)
I am currently using the clamp nuts from my router table. I am thinking some white anodized billet knobs that would give it a nice finished look.
Works great, my wife tried it and she likes how easy it was to open. The tailgate cover and rear pan should be here next week.
I am open to ideas for knobs.
