TAILGATE HIDDEN LATCHES
There are lots of "cheaper" tailgate latches out there, but when you consider the quality of the latches that hold your tailgate closed and protect the integrity of the bed, you may want to take another look at those "cheaper imitations."
MAR-K hidden tailgate latches have a unique "locking" system that allows them to stay in the open position. Imagine trying to hold both latches open at the same time to open or close the tailgate, especially if yours is a fleetside or if you are holding something with one hand. With the MAR-K hidden latches, you can lock one in the open position and then the other, making the task simpler and with less risk of damaging the bedside as you open or close the tailgate.
The small plastic knob on the competitor's latch is easily bent or broken. MAR-K latches include a durable anodized aluminum knob which is rotated to lock the latch in the open position.
The latches are available in zinc plated steel and stainless steel for maximum corrosion resistance. (Ford latches are only available in zinc-plated steel at this time. Dodge steel and stainless latches both have an aluminum outer "barrel".) The competitor steel latches are plain steel without plating.
If you are installing a hidden latch on your 58-66 GM fleetside, you will need an additional bracket to receive the grommet for the latch plunger. This special bracket is included with the MAR-K hidden latch. The competitor expects you to provide that yourself.
MAR-K hidden latches include all installation hardware and complete instructions for your specific truck, not a generic instruction that might not provide the detail needed for your installation. MAR-K instructions include year specific photos, and measurements to guide you through the installation process.
MAR-K offers hidden latches for both Fords and Dodges. Both are specifically designed to work in the unique designs of those truck tailgates. The competitor's "one size fits all" does not work well on those trucks. You can see below that the Ford Kit is different from the GM and the Dodge!
THE IMPORTANCE OF AMERICAN MADE BED SIDES
Why MAR-K is the better bed side
MAR-K's electro-galvanized steel bed sides are made here in Oklahoma City, USA. This is important because you know it will have the correct steel gage thickness and welded construction like the original. A complete GM bed side is made up of the bed side panel, the front and rear stake pockets and the steel angle strip. Ford complete bed sides are made up of the bed side panel, the front and rear stake pockets and the front and back extension panels. Fender holes and angle holes are punched with the correct hole patterns. Bed sides can also be purchased with or without the stake pocket holes for no additional charge.
There are also
over 20 other options for your bed sides.
These custom "UPGRADES" are a MAR-K exclusive. Since we make your bed sides right here, we can customize them in lots of different ways. This can save you time and money at the body shop. Try polished stainless angles or teardrops welded on. Choose no latch, no angles, no fender holes or no embossment - it all depends on what you want to do with your ride. We also have some specialized upgrades for certain makes and models, for example, we can install the latch pin to work with our custom tailgate with handle and latch mechanism. See the many examples below and you'll know why MAR-K is the better bed side.
MAR-K makes bed sides in a dedicated manufacturing "cell" so that custom bed sides with upgrades can be made as soon as possible. Our computerized production control system allows us to make custom bed sides with upgrades right along with the standard bed sides for minimum delays and to assure consistently accurate parts.
USA made means not only better quality, but quicker shipment and custom parts available. See pictures from the "cell" below.