[David Bates]

Is there anyone who restores tail gate strikers, latches and latch actuator?

 

[BAMA'SS]

Is there anyone who restores tail gate strikers, latches and latch actuator?

Check with Willie Wilson with Wilson Antique car parts 434-258-2606, I know he repairs hood and door hinges not sure about the tailgate parts but it’s worth a try. He is a good person to do business with and does very good work

 

[David Bates]

Check with Willie Wilson with Wilson Antique car parts 434-258-2606, I know he repairs hood and door hinges not sure about the tailgate parts but it’s worth a try. He is a good person to do business with and does very good work

Just sent him an inquiry. Thanks!

 

[David Bates]

Check with Willie Wilson with Wilson Antique car parts 434-258-2606, I know he repairs hood and door hinges not sure about the tailgate parts but it’s worth a try. He is a good person to do business with and does very good work

Unfortunately, Willie says no.

 

[RICH1965]

You may just have to find replacements.

 

[BAMA'SS]

Unfortunately, Willie says no.

Well I hate to hear that, it was worth the try

 

[David Bates]

Well I hate to hear that, it was worth the try

It was, never hurts to ask! I've got a feeler out to Instrument Specialties in N. Kingston, RI. I've had them do a fair amount of work for me and they are next to a large full service restoration shop so if they can't do it they should be able to point me to someone who does. Fingers crossed!

 

[Rod65wagon]

It was, never hurts to ask! I've got a feeler out to Instrument Specialties in N. Kingston, RI. I've had them do a fair amount of work for me and they are next to a large full service restoration shop so if they can't do it they should be able to point me to someone who does. Fingers crossed!

I am doing my 65 2 door wagon now, I have used varsol to degrease them then used the wire wheel to clean up. I will used paint stripper to clean out the cog teeth next. Are these painted body color or are they a cast aluminum finish? Tx 65Rod

 

[David Bates]

I am doing my 65 2 door wagon now, I have used varsol to degrease them then used the wire wheel to clean up. I will used paint stripper to clean out the cog teeth next. Are these painted body color or are they a cast aluminum finish? Tx 65Rod

My 1965 El Camino latches are original I believe and are natural finish. As far as restoration goes, I have decided to just have an acquaintance tumble them for me. Not sure what I'll do for refinishing after that. Maybe clear anodize the aluminum body and zinc plate the steel latch plate.

 

[jeffschevelle]

The Elc / wagon gate strikers were either anodized, or plated with some type of dichromate finish, after the steel "toothed" part was pressed onto them. If you have them tumbled they should look good though, just put a little clear on the steel piece to prevent rust and roll with it! The little rubber bumper is sold by Eckler's, I believe. It does not fit well and you have to fight it to get it on, but it will eventually work.

Here's an NOS striker for reference -

 

[David Bates]

The Elc / wagon gate strikers were either anodized, or plated with some type of dichromate finish, after the steel "toothed" part was pressed onto them. If you have them tumbled they should look good though, just put a little clear on the steel piece to prevent rust and roll with it! The little rubber bumper is sold by Eckler's, I believe. It does not fit well and you have to fight it to get it on, but it will eventually work.

Here's an NOS striker for reference -

View attachment 764072

Thanks Jeff! I'll give the tumbling a shot.