1950 Tailgate hinge help

[fisherman420]

Is there a difference between the tailgate hinge opening sizes on the 47-53 trucks and the 54-59 trucks. I would like to use the urethane bushings from LMC (shows only for 54-59) and fabricate a slim bracket on my 1950.

[fisherman420]

So I managed to get some specifications on the poly bushings/trunnions and apparently they are 1.25" outside diameter and 3/4" thick. My 47-53 tailgate is still a couple weeks from arriving and I am hoping someone can help me with the ID measurement of the 47-53 tailgate bushing pocket so I can order my hinge setup. Thanks

[nvrdone]

on my 49 the tube on the tail gate is 1.25 i.d the hinge is 1 1/8 id. of course, dimensions on theses trucks & aftermarket parts are not consistant. hope that helps. good luck

[mr48chev]

You would have to build a whole different hinge setup to use those on a 47/53.

[fisherman420]

Thanks nvrdone. I plan on making a new hinge to clean up the rear, just wanted to make sure that the poly trunnion would fit my 47-53 tailgate on order

[mr48chev]

Look in the Classic Trucks Magazine May 2016 issue on page 50. The photos at the bottom of the page will make the light bulb turn bright in the back of your brain on this.

On page 21 Classic industries has an ad showing a similar setup.

On page 81 Pros pick has the hinges in their add for 76.00

I opened up the magazine this afternoon and while reading the put the chain eliminator hinges on a 47/53 article stumbled on those hinges.

I think you can do your own pretty easily after seeing the photos.

[fisherman420]

Got my substantial LMC order and the poly tailgate trunions fit my new 47-53 tailgate perfectly! I also received the Brothers trucks hidden tailgate hinges and the latches that install in the upper roll of the tailgate. Now to fab a lower hinge bracket and hang the tailgate! One of these days I will start a build thread I promise!

[mr48chev]

That lower hinge bracket looks pretty simple for what they ask for it. Something that I actually didn't know existed until you asked about it but I am going with original style but stainless brackets on mine.