66 bronco original tailgate latch color

[Druchti]

Hey looking at the rear latch assembly on a 66 does anyone know if that's supposed to be plated or is it painted silver ? I've seen a few painted body color but I think originaly it was some type of metallic color from the factory ?Trying to stay as correct as possible . Any help would be great
Thanks

 

[okie4570]

Just metallic, not chrome.

 

[fordfan]

All '66 latches were Zinc plated, not silver paint. No Bronco came from Ford with a painted latch. They were all Zinc except for the Sport and Ranger packages, which had a chrome handle.

I see high end builds with painted latch hardware and it really looks bad to me....:-[

 

[DirtDonk]

I agree with that. Mine were a bit ragged looking on the '68 so I painted them body color. It's "nicer" just because of the new paint, but for some reason it just does not look as right to me as the original zinc/galvanized/whatever plating they used.
I might go back, but doubt it since I was basically covering up the old rust (a little too much patina for my taste) and don't feel like buying new ones.

Paul

 

[KFS35]

I agree with that. Mine were a bit ragged looking on the '68 so I painted them body color. It's "nicer" just because of the new paint, but for some reason it just does not look as right to me as the original zinc/galvanized/whatever plating they used.
I might go back, but doubt it since I was basically covering up the old rust (a little too much patina for my taste) and don't feel like buying new ones.

Paul

This is where I am, too. Too rusty to re-use, and I don’t feel like buying new, so I painted them body color.

 

[kempco]

They sell them in polished stainless.

 

[Broncoblood]

sand blast it lightly or dip it in a liquid over night rust remover then rattle can it with a 'flat clear' coat and it will look good, old school n og.

 

[RVB]

1966 tailgate handle

I agree with Dennis. High end builds with painted tailgate latch hardware or hood latches look crummy. Both the mounting plate and handle should be zinc plated. Once in a while I have found a NOS handle, but not so much luck on the mounting plate. A OEM plate cleaned up with steel wool looks pretty good.

Thanks, Rex

 

[trailerjack]

sand blast it lightly or dip it in a liquid over night rust remover then rattle can it with a 'flat clear' coat and it will look good, old school n og.

I'm going to try and dip mine and get all the paint off and see what I get. That's a great idea.

 

[ford man]

I agree with Dennis. High end builds with painted tailgate latch hardware or hood latches look crummy. Both the mounting plate and handle should be zinc plated. Once in a while I have found a NOS handle, but not so much luck on the mounting plate. A OEM plate cleaned up with steel wool looks pretty good.

Thanks, Rex

Oh come on lets see the rest of that tailgate Rex.I need some progress pic any way it's been awhile.

 

[sprdv1]

Just metallic, not chrome.
View attachment 507829

purdy....

 

[okie4570]

purdy....

There were some cool pics taken that day.

 

[sprdv1]

There were some cool pics taken that day.

Ahhh yeah.. almost forgot