Tailgate latches.....I found a fix

[Jeep_Lizard]

If anyone has tailgate latches that pop open while driving (mine did) I've found a fix that works great. I ordered a pair of clips from McMaster-Carr (photo coming today) and drilled a hole in the handle and installed these clips; now the latches hold tight and can't move unless you pull the clip pins. The clips are low profile so you don't even notice them after installation.
If anyone is interested I can get the part number for them and post it on Monday. As I said before, I'll be posting photos of the install later today.....but first things first.....gotta get the H/C road ready first, I'd like to submit a photo for the Calendar contest.
Lizard Man
1970 H/C
1971 H/C

[RRich]

That will work, pin 'em together.

Since the latch is an "over center" device that didn't go "over center" very far, any vibration knocks them loose.

I simply bent the handle and ground a little off the sides so it would go "over center" a little more. Haven't had one pop loose after that.

those latches are annoying. scared the crap out of me the first couple times i drove my commando to work. snap is not what you want to hear 2:00 in the morning. one time i gased it at a intersection, my tailgate poped open, my cooler slid out and my license plate fell off. now i zip tie the latches.

[cjordan]

I got some springs at the hardware store and found one that was stiffer and a little shorter. They have not popped open since.

[Miket]

Simpler yet. I drilled a hole through the latch and dropped a nail through it. Easy to remove, doesn't pop out, lasts long time, no expense required.

[RRich]

Heard about a guy who's wife Ruth, used to like to ride in back - 'cause he was a really wild driver.

He hit a big bump one day, tailgate popped open, she fell out, he rode on Ruthlessly.

[loop]

you can also try adjusting the plates that the tailgate clips latch onto. i loosened the 3 screws and slid the plates on the tailgate as far in as they go. did this for both sides. then i loosened the bolts that hold the latches to the body and moved them as far out as they would go. the amount of the adjustments way pretty small but it made a big difference. now i actually have to use a little force to clamp the tailgate latches and they never pop loose anymore.
carl

[Bonecruncher]

Rich, My mother-in-laws name is Ruth. Thanks for the tip.