Intersting Chrome trim pice find....

[Duster]

Something like this?






With or without the "CHRYSLER" lettering...I can't say which is better.

[Rowdy]

now see? THATS a good idear. (The latch mechanism with wings).
I am brain stormin' now.
I am thinking its do-able with the louvers. The center louver strip area can be flattened out around the latch in my head...
THing is, I HATE the old chains and hooks that old stepside tailgates have...
you all are onto something there...

[slayerdarkcross]

Use hydraulics on the tailgate similar to opening the hatch. I saw a SRT-10 a couple weekends ago that had them on the tailgate. His were set to make the tailgate go down slowly.

[CreepyPT]

Originally Posted by Rowdy

now see? THATS a good idear. (The latch mechanism with wings).
I am brain stormin' now.
I am thinking its do-able with the louvers. The center louver strip area can be flattened out around the latch in my head...
THing is, I HATE the old chains and hooks that old stepside tailgates have...
you all are onto something there...

The 06 and newer hatch handles have an electric touch pad that goes to a power latch. You could even go that route.
I was wondering too, are you putting a high center light on your Ptruck? Missouri allows for changes and modifications to OEM lights, but if it has a light OEM, there has to be one there somewhere.
For example, if I got an oval window kit and put it in, I could move the original center brake light, or add an aftermarket one to the top of the oval, just so long as there was still one on it.

I'm really diggin on your project man, still can;t wait to see what all you do to it And since you're on the final stages, you get so many fun details items to play with! ;P