Removing Latch Pin on Tailgate

I want to remove the one (or both) top tailgate latch pin(s). These are the latch inserts that fit into the barrel of the top of the tail gate. They look like they are held in by a large rivet. So If I grind the head off I should be able to knock the rivet out and tap put the latch. I want to clean and coat the inside of the top of the tailgate barrel to prevent it from rusting from the inside. It doesn't look like they are welded on from what I see. Has anyone done this and other than the pin being rusted fast, were there any other issues you had?

Someone had added tanneu cover snaps to the tailgate and rails of the truck. I plan to remove those and weld the holes shut. I like the simple clean look.

I just tried to do this with a very rotted tailgate, sold the INTERNATIONAL raised logo panel to a guy to make a custom gate.

I ground off the heads & beat on it with a punch for a while with really no results, since gate was shot I ended up cutting sheetmetal around them,

I'm gonna say it's a very tight fit thru the solid latch pin, you may have to drill it out.

Thanks bedrockjon

I beat it with a punch for awhile last night after grinding off the head. I can now see the outline of the pin...but it is not budging. Drilling as you suggested may be my only option.

that's what I got too, just the outline of pin, I think that is just from sheetmetal bouncing a little,

I don't think I moved it at all in the solid part, you May be able to torch it hot, and pound on it, but I think they were pressed in red hot at the factory,

if you drill slightly undersize and straight thru you can probably punch out the remaining part without over-sizing the sheet metal hole?

gonna be a job for patience which I lack.

I have the tailgate soaking in my electrolysis tank hoping that removing some of the rust may help. Drilling my be my only option in the end. I'll post when I have it apart.

Hey Bedrockjon,

After soaking the tailgate in electrolysis solution all day I was able to get the pins out of both latches.
Still took quite a bit of beating. They are very snug. So they do come out.

Good Deal! my gate was so rusty I knew there was no way,,,Glad you got em out OK.

Thanks for posting up pics of your success. Now I know what to look for when I'm taking mine apart. Seems the lower tube is completely rotten and folded in a few spots. The top tube doesn't look much better.

I posted some pictures to Custom Tailgate of what can be done. The point of this is to say that there is stainless tube of the correct ID available to replace the original rusted upper and lower tubing.

As a matter of fact I just picked up some stainless pipe the right size at a salvage yard. It was used as a handrail in a city bus. Cost me $5 for 2 5 ft pieces. Probably a bit cheaper than special order.