I'm trying to finalize the fiberglass tonneau cover design, specifically the latches.
One solution I'm thinking about for the latching/locking is a pair of t-handles like this:
These would use a striker pin which would bolt to the edge of the tub:
Other than the fact that the striker parts would have to be manufactured custom for this application, I like this t-handle design. I'd be happier if I could find a completely off-the-shelf solution which wouldn't require custom parts though. I'm posting this to see if you guys have any better ideas than these t-handles for latching and locking the cover.
I've considered external draw latches, like the ones shown below, but when the cover would be installed on a Wrangler (or a trailer tub with Wrangler hinges for the tailgate) on the passenger side the Wrangler's tailgate hinges compete for the same real estate on the tub... I haven't found any that would work and clear the hinge (and there's even less room on the tub for the catch when an Exogate is installed). External draw latches like these would also require a padlock, but the t-handles include a an integrated lock. Another good thing about the t-handles is that if you were using a t-handle on your tailgate, the tailgate and tonneau could use the same key.
Also, I'm still playing with the placement of the ribs a little... in the drawing below, the driver's side latch mounting area lines up with the center of the tail light. On the passenger side, the latch mounting area is at the edge of the tailgate opening. It's just a cosmetic thing, haven't decided which I like best yet.
Another option I'm considering is mounting latches on the inside... no lock would be required, since the locked tailgate would prevent access to these latches. The only drawback to this plan is that you couldn't use a factory CJ tailgate with it's internal latches along with the tonneau, because both would have internal latches. You'd have to use an external-latch/lock tailgate, either a fiberglass Dinoot kit tailgate or a Wrangler tailgate. As long as we're willing to accept that you couldn't use this with a factory CJ inside latch tailgate, I like this idea a lot: