Just wondering if anyone has found a locking handle for the tailgate yet? I recently put a tonneau cover on and would like to lock the tailgate if possible.

 

No, but there used to be a kit to move the handle inside ...

Here's one I find: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1987-1996-Do...-/261590144664

RwP

 

Thanks, but unfortunately that wouldn't help. With the cover on, there is no way to access the handle if it's on the inside.

 

I just searched "tailgate lock" and a lot of options came up. From something that hooks over the mechanism in the gap where the latch is to a locking handle that looks a lot like a door handle. Good Luck. here is one of the results http://www.pickupspecialties.com/poplock.htm

 

You could drill a hole all the way through the tailgate on the right or left side, mount a lock mechanism to the inside of the tailgate attached to a big lever to lock the tailgate against the inside of the bed, where the bed juts out. You'd need a long key. Then put a magnet with a politically partisan message over the outside hole such as Anthony Weiner for president.

I have lots more terrible ideas, just ask.

 

Unfortunately Pop & Lock and Bullydog do not make compatible locks for the gen 1 Dakota's. I have a Pop& Lock on my Silverado that works great, so that was the first place that I looked. You would think after 23 years someone would have come up with a tailgate lock. Anyone know if a 97 tailgate works on a 93 and if it looks good? Might be the reason I need to have the truck painted if it does.

 

Umm ... That is why I'm doing that ... with the topper locked, they'd have to bust the glass to get to the tailgate handle!

RwP

 

I think that we are talking about different things. Sounds like you are talking about a hard canopy, but I have a soft Tonneau cover that rolls up if you're using the bed. You can only gain access to the cover latches to release it if you first open the tailgate. Looks like this.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/BST-19061-01

 

Ah. Well, no, my solution won't work for you then *grins*

But it's how I'm doing my truck; the tonneau covers I've seen were all hard, so they would lock down; the internal latch would be perfect for them.

RwP