Repro Tailgate

[onetonk5]

Im looking to buy a fleetside tailgate for my K5 with Chevrolet stamped in it. Is there a repro thats worth the $$. Not trying to be a cheapskate but also dont feel like wasting time and money on something that wont work. Any reccomendations appreciated. Vendor input also welcomed.
Thanks
Mark

[Richard Dobson]

If you are going to haul firewood none of the aftermarket ones will stand up to the load, come to think of it the original ones that I have seen did etiher since all of them are bowed. I bought a aftermarket non-lettered one but haven't put any weight on it to give it a test.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

I have heard many people say that the aftermarket ones are no good for strength?

[onetonk5]

It will be going on a low 2wd so I doubt I will be hauling firewood in it...plus I have gas logs in my fireplace. Looking for first hand experience.

[class01]

I recently got to examine a repro without the chevy letters on it and it was lighter weight. It wasnt installed on a truck but if you are using it just for show it wasnt bad. I do think it would have bent up with weight on it.

[19673ontree]

I have the repro chevrolet lettered one on my 67, the gauge thickness of it is fine but now the fit thats another matter !!

[onetonk5]

Whats the biggest problem with fit? Where did you get it?

[Longhorn Man]

I helped a guy install a non lettered one in 99, when we got it on there, I opened it and sat down on the center. bowed it BIG TIME... and I was maybe 180 pounds back then.

[19673ontree]

Originally Posted by onetonk5

Whats the biggest problem with fit? Where did you get it?

it makes no difference where you get one they are all the same , I got mine from tim tygarts chevy part's , the fit on them is a mess , out of the box when you install it and close it the side's stick out like it isn't closed all the way , the problem is the two support's inside they are to thick and cause the missalignment ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[19673ontree]

oh and if you are like me the bed of my truck will probably never haul anything more extreme than my folding chair's for cruz in's (LOL)

[Mordachai]

I have a non lettered gate on my truck, and it's Alot thinner than a stock gate.
And it's really badly bowed, it actually look alright from the back when it's up, but when it's down there's a really bad bow in it. And this gate hasn't even seen any real hard work, other than a few loads of yard clippings. If I can get my hands on another stock gate I definitely would.
|M|

[thelonerife]

Ive said many times . Don't buy junk. save your money and buy a good original. I noticed all the things you guys are talking about and more. My gate isn't even welded on the outside to the inside panel(Above the letters in the indention) & 10 lbs lighter

[SactoJim]

I bought a aftermarket plain gate and it was lighter gauge metal and the body lines were terrible. I ended up cutting it up cuz I just needed the inside of it.

[70cst]

I would think there are still quality used gates still available. One could buy a repro but it looks like the first time someone sits on it and it's all over. Is that worth the chance?

[19673ontree]

I know it is because of where I live , and even on as good a truck as mine was and being from TENN. my gate was still junk , I have YET TO SEE a good original 1967 to 1972 chevy tailgate , have never seen one in my life !
but like I said being here in southrust virginia is why .

so for me to get my truck looking the way I wanted it to look the only option I had was to buy a new repro gate ,

[70cst]

Originally Posted by 19673ontree

I have YET TO SEE a good original 1967 to 1972 chevy tailgate , have never seen one in my life !

If you look at my LWB Take off thread I can show you a mint GMC gate. If one advertises a WTB gate I believe there will be one that pops up. JMHO It all comes down to personal preference. Both have advantages and disadvantages.