Too many questions!
The tail gate frame's only 25mm wide. It'll be skinned front & back in flat steel sheet, then I have some raised lettering to add to the outside, which is why I want the handle on the inside. Will also just look tidier I think. No need for it to lock really -what's it going to protect? but might stop it accidentally popping open while I'm driving I guess.
So whatever I use has to fit inside a 25mm gap, or I'll have to fabricate a surface mounted box for the internal gubbins to fit in. Mr Brock's suggestion will do the job admirably, but I'm open to suggestions, cunning or otherwise.
TB, I kept the Sherpa lock for about 2 years, then binned it cos I couldn't forsee any reason for ever needing it. D'oh!
Minis have stubby, chrome, surface mount hinges that extend up the boot lid a couple of inches. Hidden or surface -still can't decide, but it definitely ain't a high tech cruiser! Will you stil talk to me when I whup yo' ass in it at the Hayride next year Shaun?
Also need support struts or chains to hold it in the open position. I'd prefer some sort of folding strut, rather than a dangling chain, but, again, open to suggestions.
Mike, how bulky is the Chevy lock mechanism?