GMC Tailgate Panel grille - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**jlmerie** · 08-22-2022, 12:47 PM

I have been looking for a really nice GMC tailgate panel for my 1978 truck. I thought I had found the holy grail when I came across this panel. It is in amazing condition. The plastic GMC emblem is broken, but that did not bother me because I have a correct metal one for 1978. When I start looking more closely at this I see the pre 1980 panels are different than the later ones. I thought the emblem was the only difference, but where the panel is drilled for the emblem studs is different. Are there other differences from the early and later style panels? I am beginning to think I am not going to get this one to work right and I am back searching.

65chevysub · 08-22-2022, 03:16 PM

Nice score! Grille looks like it's in good shape. I'm working on a tailgate panel myself. Not sure what year its for as it's upside down on a table at a ranch. trying to contact the owner to see if I can get it and hope it works for my 84 Sierra 2500

**1774btcrew** · 08-23-2022, 12:05 AM

It won't work. Leaves about a 1/4" gap all the way around it on a 73-80 tailgates. Plus it looks different

**jlmerie** · 08-25-2022, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1774btcrew

It won't work. Leaves about a 1/4" gap all the way around it on a 73-80 tailgates. Plus it looks different

Thanks! I was afraid that was the case. I appreciate your help. The search never really ends anyway. LOL

Dead Parrot · 08-23-2022, 11:39 AM

Depending on price and what you are doing with the truck, might be worth it to get the tailgate piece. Might make good trading material if you find someone that has a early piece and wants a later piece. Or you could swap on a later tailgate and use that band.

08-22-2022, 12:47 PM	#1
jlmerie Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,077	GMC Tailgate Panel grille I have been looking for a really nice GMC tailgate panel for my 1978 truck. I thought I had found the holy grail when I came across this panel. It is in amazing condition. The plastic GMC emblem is broken, but that did not bother me because I have a correct metal one for 1978. When I start looking more closely at this I see the pre 1980 panels are different than the later ones. I thought the emblem was the only difference, but where the panel is drilled for the emblem studs is different. Are there other differences from the early and later style panels? I am beginning to think I am not going to get this one to work right and I am back searching. __________________ James Last edited by jlmerie; 08-27-2022 at 05:38 PM. Reason: picture error

08-22-2022, 03:16 PM	#2
65chevysub Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Cottonwood, Arizona Posts: 1,382	Re: GMC Tailgate Panel grille Nice score! Grille looks like it's in good shape. I'm working on a tailgate panel myself. Not sure what year its for as it's upside down on a table at a ranch. trying to contact the owner to see if I can get it and hope it works for my 84 Sierra 2500

08-23-2022, 12:05 AM	#3
1774btcrew Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 4,602	Re: GMC Tailgate Panel grille It won't work. Leaves about a 1/4" gap all the way around it on a 73-80 tailgates. Plus it looks different __________________ AZPartsLocators on Instagram 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Bed big block "Blackie" 1977 Crew Cab GMC Short bed with 4BT Intercooled Cummins Diesel and a 4L80e "The Junkyard Dog" 1985 Crew Cab Chevy dually with 5.9 Cummins "The Big Dog" This is what my dad liked to be called by the grandkids before he passed so it seems fitting for his old truck.

08-23-2022, 11:39 AM	#5
Dead Parrot Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 2,620	Re: GMC Tailgate Panel grille Depending on price and what you are doing with the truck, might be worth it to get the tailgate piece. Might make good trading material if you find someone that has a early piece and wants a later piece. Or you could swap on a later tailgate and use that band.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.