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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 784
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Tail gate install tips?
My 69 came with the tailgate not installed, and now I'd like to put it on the truck. Questions: Is this a one-man job? It looks like I have to unbolt one hinge from the truck to do this job, is this correct? And, last question: Do I have to put the links that hold it open on before putting the tailgate into the hinges?
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Rick -69 GMC 910 Long Box, 350 -98 Chev Silverado 1500, 350 Vortec 4L60e -08 Mustang GT Convertible |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 3,590
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Re: Tail gate install tips?
Never say never. But it's a heck of a lot easier if you have a helper. My son and I put the tailgate on my truck in about five minutes. We got lucky that it fit perfect the first time, didn't have to do any adjusting.
You can put the links on after it's bolted up.
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Willie Swamp Angel Truckers '72 C10 Highlander ![]() People who blindly follow a GPS end up on television programs on The Weather Channel. Some survive, some don't. ![]() |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 784
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Re: Tail gate install tips?
Thanks. I can see how the trunnions bolt on, just wanted to be sure about needing extra hands, and about the links.
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Rick -69 GMC 910 Long Box, 350 -98 Chev Silverado 1500, 350 Vortec 4L60e -08 Mustang GT Convertible |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sammamish, WA
Posts: 2,115
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Re: Tail gate install tips?
It always helps to chase the bolt holes with a tap before so you can easily thread it together by hand. I do the same with the bolts.
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 784
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Re: Tail gate install tips?
Good tip. I have lots of taps, not sure if I have the correct for this application, though. If i don't, I think I'll just remove the existing bolts, lube them, and run them in and out a couple of times to be sure they will thread in when we're holding the heavy tailgate...
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Rick -69 GMC 910 Long Box, 350 -98 Chev Silverado 1500, 350 Vortec 4L60e -08 Mustang GT Convertible |
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#6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: daytonabeach
Posts: 22,956
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Re: Tail gate install tips?
I use an engine crane and cargo straps// easier to use and does as you say
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71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Spanaway
Posts: 8,451
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Re: Tail gate install tips?
FYI, there are aftermarket trunion's that are made of a poly material that are suppose to be quieter, have seen some post here on this forum, also someone makes one that is to turn the tailgate into a easy on and off by cutting a notch in the bottom of the gate and the trunion has 2 flat sides just like the 73-79 model. I assume some of the vendors on the vendor page would carry them, or possibly E-Bay
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Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's |
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#8 |
Account Suspended
![]() Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Tacoma, WA
Posts: 6,873
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Re: Tail gate install tips?
Great tip from John, do run a tap in the holes and make sure all the bolts will go in by hand. Do install one lower trunion and then tilt the gate in with the other on the gate. Leave off the link on the tilt in side as it can interfere with getting the gate to slip in. Its manageable for one person but can be a handful.
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