Tailgate question
 

I just bought a 77 C20 for my son. It came without a tailgate and I am starting to round up body parts to re-do the entire truck. Which years tailgates are compatible with this truck?? Not going to be a perfect resto, just want a gate that fits correctly. Thanx in advance for any info.

Re: Tailgate question
 

73 to 87 all fit the same but the lettering is different this is the style for your truck

Re: Tailgate question
 

They are not all the same. Early 70's did not have the hinge on them that made them able to be removed easily like the later 70's and 80's had. You can go to a site like LMC and look up the tailgate, it will break down what years are what for you.

Re: Tailgate question
 

my 75 is removable

Re: Tailgate question
 

75 was the first year of the "quick release" tailgate. My 73 and 74 don't have that sort of trunnion on the gate. You could always just swap the trunnions if you got the wrong year model gate I suppose. The latch system was also different on earlier year models as was the handle, but all should swap around pretty easy.

Re: Tailgate question
 

Thanx again for the info guys. The brackets that are on the truck are trashed anyway so I will need to replace them. Got a line on a donor 80 truck, so hopefully the gate is in decent shape.

Re: Tailgate question
 

You must use the trunions correct for the tailgate you are using.

Re: Tailgate question
 

Yeah I have a 73 with a 77 gate on it. It was a pain to get on and it doesn't shut right. Try and stick with something that will fit right the first time.
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Re: Tailgate question
 

find a gate that is good, that you like the look of, and grab all the parts. I have a 90 V3500 with the 70's style centered GMC logo and it took a lot of looking and a little fine tuning but it looks great.