Hinge it on the side, and use cable remote release on it with the latch that comes with the cable and release lever (like for a trunk lid). My 99 Maxima has a cool release lever that has the gas door release beside it. May have to find/make a longer cable to work on an elkie, but shouldn't be too big of a deal. Put the hinges on the passengers side, and you wouldn't need as long a cable, plus it would open towards the curb and not traffic.

I can take a pic of the levers in my Maxima tomorrow if you want. They're mounted between drivers seat and door, near front edge of seat.


:rockon:

 

I was referring to a lid inside of the tailgate, see the 5th pic in the link.

 

I dig it. Ive been thinking of adding some brackets and attaching a grill to the tailgate. When the tailgate is down the grill would be right side up and ready to go. Basically a tailgate for tailgating.

Are you thinking for your tailgate lid to be a tool thing like they are doing? Lets see a sketch!!!

 

What about doing folding seats in the tailgate? put the tailgate down then fold the seats back for tailgating

 

I did something for my Tonneau that might convert over to your tailgate idea. I used Elec Trunk Latches from a saturn, with a hidden button from a Volvo, to secure my top. Don't see why you couldn't do the same thing for the tailgate. Even fancier would be latches from a caddy- the ones that pull the trunk down the last couple of inches ( no more slamming!).

 

maybe look into a "roadmaster wagon" tailgate? NOW that set-up is badass!!! they fold down,or open out.

 

I really like the idea of cutting it open and putting a tool set inside the tailgate! Maybe adding a trunk air shock, so that it'll drop smoothly. Also a solenoid to automatically unlock it!?

 

if you get it figured out, and it's not too hard, Robert will put a bar in his tailgate!

:alcoholic:

 

Wow. I did not know the Buick Roadmasters had the fold/swing-out tailgate. what year?? I'm modifying some hinges now to convert my '84 tailgate to a swing-out. Joe, what do you think? A swing-out tailgate would be cool!!

 

My Honda Ridgeline has the swingout/drop tailgate. Might be worth looking at the hinge and fastening setup the Ridge for some ideas.

 

Figured I'd get a few people thinking here. In using vans for service trucks at work , sometimes the most valuable space per square inch is the first area you come to, so why not the tailgate area. It's a really small space , but it still could be put to better use.
Drag racers could make pockets to hold old style lead or steel window weights to improve traction with tailgate dropped. R u listening 87 next to last????

Fold up seats could be possible, but would have to be pretty slim.

As far as the fold down/ swing out hardware, it's common to many station wagons & some high end home casement/awning windows. I'm just not really familiar with it or personally need it for my use. Basically how that type of stuff works is the locks all turn into a hinge when locked.

As far as converting the slam latches to bear claws, they could be either factory or universal door or late model truck tailgate latches. They could be fully manual only, could have aftermarket popper solenoid to operate handle or any electric latch that will work in the provided space. Plenty of different options here.
For a grille to use with tailgate down, the easiest option would just be a strap on mesh. But if you're like me, easy is for sissies, come up with something cooler.:lildevil:
I probably won't actually start on the tailgate ideas till I get my bedcover lights done & then can remove the vette lights & fill them in.
I'm just giving anyone a chance to finish one of my ideas before me.:tongue:

 

Gas Monkey?

Just showed a segment on a 1972 Chevy Kingswood wagon? And the tailgate and window tucked up & under leaving just the opening! It was very sharp and stock! I never saw it before! Very cool! I don't know if it would work with your application but it is worth looking at! This ones similar to it! :rockdover:

 

Few more quick thoughts on tailgate ideas. thought about the seat idea a little. There are some premade options.https://www.google.com/search?q=tru...urce=univ&sa=X&ei=w600U-aMNZLK0AH65ICYCg&ved=0CEwQsAQ&biw=1920&bih=959#imgdii=_

Of course one issue with our tailgates for a stay in place fold up seat option is the height, or lack of it.. A fold up back could be made to fold up a 2nd time to almost double the back height.

Well, here's one thought to make a folding tailgate lid. Cut out the inner steel surface up to the flat sealing area on the sides & bottom & about an inch from the top. Get another tailgate & cut the inside area off leaving 1/4" to 1'2" of the side material past the perimeter radius. then it could be hinged at the bottom of the tailgate. The edges of the cover cut from a 2nd tailgate could easily be bent out slightly to hug over the edges of the existing tailgate. Several layers of spray plasti-dip could be sprayed on the outer edges of the inside of the new lid for padding.
That's just a few quick engineering thoughts, ok, maybe not quick. Not fully confirmed .Haven't thought about it over a beer yet.:frown: If you feel air rushing over your head trying to understand the details, don't feel bad. I don't understand myself sometimes.:laughing3:

 

I have been kicking around the Idea of using some sort of electric popper to move the cables. and somehow modify the tailgate emblem to be a button. for operation. or you could hide the button where ever