Rear Roll Pan Installation

[rcg66]

I have a 66 Longbed Fleetside and need some help on installing the rear roll pan. Do I need to take off the tailgate before installing it? If I remove it, how do I bolt it back on after installing the roll pan? I don't think I will be able to get at the bottom bolts for the trunions with the roll pan on. If I leave the tailgate on, I don't think I can get to the top edge of the roll pan to attach it. Seems like every time I think something is going to be easy, a roadblock appears. Thanks for any help anyone can give me.

[Captainfab]

Aren't the lower trunion bolts accessable from underneath?

[64chevtruck]

Howdy, the gate has to come off, Its easy just remove the trunion, Theres 2 but only one side has to be removed to take the gate off, all the bolts are acessable if you raise or lower the gate, Pull one trunion and then just lift that side of the gate upwards and it will come right out.

Have a good week

[rcg66]

Thanks for your responses. I was just holding the roll pan with one hand, and trying to see if there was room, and it just didn't look like there would be. I will go out and give it a go, and see what other problem I can come up with! Thanks again.

[Robznob11]

So im facing this same issue...still no answer. Doesn't look to me like my bottom bolts are accessible....dont want to scratch the new paint either...

[Grounded63]

I was able to get mine on without removing the tailgate. Mine has the license plate boxout on it, and will only go up so far. There's approximately a 3/4" gap between the roll pan and tailgate. If your welding it on, you'll have to remove the tail gate. If your screwing it on using the pre-punched holes. Get the roll pan mocked and leveled up with the bottom of the tailgate, and mark the holes on the truck. Pull the roll pan back down, and pre-drill the holes. Using a center punch will help to keep the bit from walking around . You should be able to get it attached now, its a pretty tight area to work with. But, using a magnetic bit extension, you should be able to get it. Now, my truck is heavily patina-ed, so I wasn't worried about the chance of a couple of rub marks or scratches. You'll want to take you time, and mask off any fresh paint in the area your working on.

[Robznob11]

Thanks for the info. I have installed my pan . Its welded in. Its also freshly painted. Im having a hard time getting to the lower trunion bolts.