How do non-electric tailgate locks work/install?

[stevenknapp]

I've done some searching for tailgate locks. There are electric ones, and non-electric ones. I think I understand how the electric ones installs.



But what about the standard ones? I've seen that they install "easily" but no details.



How do they install? Drilling/cutting? or just sort of fit in place?

 

[JWChessell]

I realize your question concerns replacing the tailgate latch handle in the center of the tailgate with a locking version. However, I used a standard garden gate bolt, secured to left INSIDE edge of the tail gate with large sheet metal screws -- the bolt slides into a 5/16ths hole I drilled into the left rear corner post of the bed, and is secured with a padlock. Simple, secure, out-of-sight, inexpensive, and easy to reach from outside when the shell rear lid swings up. I keyed it the same as the lock on the spare tire (and the gates at the house and a lot of other things).

 

[stevenknapp]

Hmm... ok. So the shell lid locks too? And this keeps the tailgate locked, but needs to be unlocked from the inside?



I'm thinking about a truxedo soft toneau. It locks in place with a latch that can only be accessed with the tailgate open. The idea is with a locking tailgate the toneau is "locked" as well.



So the question comes how to lock the tailgate... I don't like the idea of running wires back for an electric one.

 

[CRuth]

I installed the Pop-Lock on mine. Doesn't replace anything. Took about three minutes to install. Looks stock too.

 

[stevenknapp]

Any drilling? Or does it just sort of fit in the place where your hand would go?

 

[CRuth]

No drilling on mine. It varies with the make model and year of vehicle but mine was a no drill no tool install.

 

[stevenknapp]

Safe to assume you're happy with it?



Thanks much for the info!

 

[CRuth]

I am, although if you want super security its probably not what you want. Someone with tools would probably be able to rip it out without too much trouble. It'll keep all the casual thieves out though, thats all I wanted. Google Pop Lock and you can find lots of places that carry them. Price varies by about $15 so it pays to check a few places.