side kit for my 5x9 trailer

[Frank S]

Checking fit of the 2 side pieces for the rear section

Next it was time to cut down the center section which has sliding door which was probably used as a grain dispenser


sliced apart with the victor

Checking for fit

Now it is time to create some kind of latch for the tailgate that can be used even without the side kit.
I decided to use a horizontal sliding cane bolt style latch However at the same time I wanted to make it so that the rear sections of the side kit would be secured as well also the latches should be designed so that if the tailgate was closed even if someone forgot to latch it it would not come open
I started out with sleeve receptacles which would be embedded inside the tailgate I welded a washer on a piece of 3/4 Sch 80 pipe then torched it square to fit inside the tailgate top tube


Something you wont often see is gloves on my hands To be fair I didn't bother cooling the assembly before inserting it in the tube and I am holding everything in place to tack the outside washer the gloves are deerskin size xxlg driver's gloves

here you can see how the latch bar can protrude into the socket area for the end gate pieces

This is the mating hole in the Stanton

one latch in the closed position

the handle must be lifted above straight out before is can be slid open

in this position the tailgate is still latched

it must be slid all the way before the tailgate will open

continued next post