Help with tailgate

[setelec 73]

Found a tailgate on craigslist for 75 bucks. It is off of a 84 duelly the seller has all parts for it.... Just wondering if I can make this work for my 1973?? Take a look and tell me what you think.... Is it a good local buy???

Also how hard is it to convert if possible, and Has this trim ever appeared on a 1973??? meaning the band??

[N2TRUX]

If it is as mint as it looks, I would grab it. I "think" there was some difference in the brackets, but get everything and it should work.

That is not a correct tailgate band for the early 70's but who cares. It will look just fine unless your going for a perfect restoration.

[JohnC]

I agree with Ken. There are differences in the latches I believe, but if you get everything you should be able to make it work. Keep us updated.

[setelec 73]

Thanks guys... Does anyone have any pics or knowledge on what I will have to change to get this to work?? Also never have seen a correct 73 gate myself, dont even know how one looks, But I do like this one. Except the color

[JohnC]

You may pm HotRod73, or Scoti. Jeff has a 73, and Scott has a 74. They may have pics to show the difference. You may also look on captkaos's site 73-87chevytrucks.com

[bigblock73]

From the outside, with the trim panel on, the gates all look the same. To put that gate on your 73, you will need ALL the matching hardware (trunions and straps).

[Dooley]

The tailgate might be on a dually now but, unless someone filled in the 5 wiring holes and the 10 mounting screw holes for the DOT required marker lamps, that gate is off a standard fleetside truck bed.

[willett]

i do believe that the pivots are different sizes.

i know i had problems putting a gate of unknown year on my '78 box.

[3r!c84]

i know this is off topic but what the hell

do any of your tailgates move up and down when its closed?
its only maby a 1/2 a in but i can hear its moving when im on dirt roads
????

[f.monroe]

The gate you have pictured looks like an older style band than what would have been on a mid 80's truck and since it isnt a factory dually gate , you might get lucky and find that it is an earlier gate . The price sure seems right .
Frank

[f.monroe]

For the record , here is what a 1973 gate and band should look like . This is only the rear shot and doesnt show the side of the gate that makes it year specific but it does show the correct tailgate band for 73 .
Frank

[Desert1957]

Just a note I bought a used 70's style rear insert at a swap meet , and it would not fit in any of my 81-87 tailgates , the 70's insert was too wide....

Desert

[ont_guy_38]

Correct me if, I,m wrong but I think that it a 73 or so tail band on there have a good look at it guys

[Walts_restoration]

73-74 are bolt on. 75-76 mount the same as the 73-74 excluding they are quick release, and can be used on the early ones with the horseshoe bracket. And then you have 77-87 IIRC. I dont have many 80s trucks, but i have plenty of 73-80s i toy with. Dont know about trim differences.

[setelec 73]

Well the seller is going to deliver it to me in 1 week... What a nice guy!!! Glad there are still a few good people outside this forum. I will keep everyone updated and will be posting new pics soon,

[setelec 73]

Ok so now here is the dillema. I got the gate, but hte latches were broken. I have bought new latches from a nice local member but I cant get the gate to work to save my life. Here are a few pics of my setup hopefully someone can help!!!!! What do I have wrong. Keep in mind the fifth wheel gate you see with straps was made by grandps. What year is this gate anyone?

Also does anyone have any photos of the correct hinges? Maybe your setup. Maybe I am installing them wrong?

[bigblock73]

That is an early 'gate, 73-74 or so. You can tell because it "used" to have the tabs at the top that stick out and slide into the pockets you have on the bed of your truck...I say "used" to because it looks like the PO cut them off to run on their newer bed. I can get you latches next time I go to the JY.

The bracketry you have pictured is newer, you can tell because it is the quick release kind (oval and round trunions)...whereas the early gates were not quick release..both were round. The problem you are having is due to the straps/latches...they changed lenghth ever so slightly with the TG changes over the years...I put the early straps/latches side by side with the late 70's straps/latches...and I could see the difference.

[setelec 73]

I still have both round trunions? As that is what gramps installed the 5th wheel gate with. Should I use these? The ones that came with it seem loose, however couldn't figure out how to bolt the gate on with two round hinges? or trunions? I did buy the brackeets that were listed here earlier but I think they are the wrong ones. Again Jeff and fellow board members. Your help is always greatly appreciated!!!!!

[f.monroe]

I thought it looked like it might be an early gate .

To install it with the correct hardware ,Slide the trunions in the tailgate , slide the gate in place , then install the bolts to the quarter panels . Having an extra set of hands will help .
Frank

[bigblock73]

Yes, use the two round ones. You have to slide them onto the 'gate, then bolt them on the truck...a PITA to do, but that is how it was done until GM came up with the quick release. You need to make sure you have the correct strap/latch assembly...otherwise the latch on the gate will not click into the latch /strap assmebly (the one that bolts to the truck). That is your missing link.

EDIT: Frank beat me to it as I was typing.

[setelec 73]

I think I have the wrong straps as I cannot close the gate. Seems as if it dosent have enough room to fold up and hide? I am out of town now...so will post pics of straps tommorrow. Or please post pics of correct straps for me.

[bigblock73]

I can get pics tomorrow of my set....but be warned, they look a lot alike, the differences are minor.

[setelec 73]

Her is a picture of the straps that I have. GM part numbers are #458026 and #458025. Are these the wrong ones?

[setelec 73]

Anyone have any ideas about these brackets?

[bigblock73]

OK, here are my '73 TG straps. Not sure if you can tell a difference by the pics...but it is worth a shot. Also, I measured them from end to end...pulling the straps as far apart as I could. Check yours to see if the length is the same.