Anybody know where you can get tailgate latch strikers for a 73-81? I don't see them anywhere. 
CK5
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74 Tailgate Latch Strikers
- Thread starter Chief Brody
- Start date
Irish1941
1/2 ton status
Look like this? I don't know if GM even changed the design. Long time since I owned a '73-'75.
I swear we just had a thread about this. LMC *used* to have them, cuz I bought a set from them years back, but apparently no longer do. Somebody (Dorian?) had bought them from GM; I can find you the part # if you don't have the parts books yet. At this point I think it was decided you'd be hunting NOS though, as GM discontinued them.
I think the answer is junkyard, used from another member, or refurbing the ones you have. As they're mild steel, seems like it'd be relatively easy to weld/grind a worn set back to usable, if not show quality.
-- A
I think the answer is junkyard, used from another member, or refurbing the ones you have. As they're mild steel, seems like it'd be relatively easy to weld/grind a worn set back to usable, if not show quality.
-- A
Look like this? I don't know if GM even changed the design. Long time since I owned a '73-'75.
that's it...apparently there are left and right...where did you find that one?
Irish1941
1/2 ton status
If it looks like that then there is no change from '73 to '91. All the same.
I got a pile of NOS ones I bought 15-20yrs ago before they stopped selling them.
That was usually second thing I change on any K5 I buy. Rattling tailgates drive me nuts!
I got a pile of NOS ones I bought 15-20yrs ago before they stopped selling them.
That was usually second thing I change on any K5 I buy. Rattling tailgates drive me nuts!
Are two out of that pile for sale?
Is there a left and right?
Do you have the "spiny gasket" things that go under them?
Irish1941
1/2 ton status
PM coming your way.
I had one of them...I just found the other one....of all places it was on the old quarter panel....imagine that 
Both are in great shape, but I am missing some of those spiky shims...
Both are in great shape, but I am missing some of those spiky shims...
I think the 1973-75 ones a slightly different
you can tell that they aren't mirror images of each other and the lobes are different top to bottom....
the upper one I cleaned with a cup brush...
the upper one I cleaned with a cup brush...
brainfart on his name, but it was the guy who did the nice windstar fan thread iirc.. and it wasn't that latch, but something similar... think it was the part on the tailgate, disassembled, where the plate has the curved "catch" area that wears out...
The latches themselves for a 1973-1975 are about $150 each...Ouch!
I forget who said it, maybe Ryoken or TKRusty...."Never throw anything away"....if it can be cleaned and reused...some of the best advice I can't believe the prices of some of these small parts...keepers and hooks, springs,,,etc..
Irish1941
1/2 ton status
Comparing the two...I'd say it would work if need be.
Glad you found yours.
Glad you found yours.
