[FC] Identification of a part

[Hyosilver at aol.com]

I agree with JR.  The longer pin is on the tailgate latch, and each is either 
left or right, thus four different parts.

I just finished totally refurbishing/rebuilding my four latches.  They were 
badly rusted, pitted and scratched.  I drilled out the rivet; drilled and 
tapped the handles; had the handles and plates rechromed; cleaned up, straightened 
and tightened rivets on the mechanisms; and reassembled with machine screws 
and lock washers.  They are now working fine and look great.  The rechroming 
cost me $30 each for the plates and $45 each for the handles (more because they 
are pot metal) thus $75 plus machine screws for each latch.

Regarding the latch that won't unlatch, I wonder if it is a tailgate latch on 
the ramp?

Regarding the latch that won't hold, I wonder if the spring is weak/broken?  
If not, and it is close to catching, try shimming the part on the body that 
the latch pin hooks behind so that it sits farther toward the latch pin and 
catches.

Larry Hickerson
Albuquerque