Help with tailgate - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

setelec 73 · 08-02-2009, 03:51 PM

Found a tailgate on craigslist for 75 bucks. It is off of a 84 duelly the seller has all parts for it.... Just wondering if I can make this work for my 1973?? Take a look and tell me what you think.... Is it a good local buy???

Also how hard is it to convert if possible, and Has this trim ever appeared on a 1973??? meaning the band??

**N2TRUX** · 08-02-2009, 04:19 PM

If it is as mint as it looks, I would grab it. I "think" there was some difference in the brackets, but get everything and it should work.

That is not a correct tailgate band for the early 70's but who cares. It will look just fine unless your going for a perfect restoration.

JohnC · 08-02-2009, 04:51 PM

I agree with Ken. There are differences in the latches I believe, but if you get everything you should be able to make it work. Keep us updated.

setelec 73 · 08-02-2009, 05:43 PM

Thanks guys... Does anyone have any pics or knowledge on what I will have to change to get this to work?? Also never have seen a correct 73 gate myself, dont even know how one looks, But I do like this one. Except the color

JohnC · 08-02-2009, 05:46 PM

You may pm HotRod73, or Scoti. Jeff has a 73, and Scott has a 74. They may have pics to show the difference. You may also look on captkaos's site 73-87chevytrucks.com

bigblock73 · 08-02-2009, 07:15 PM

From the outside, with the trim panel on, the gates all look the same. To put that gate on your 73, you will need ALL the matching hardware (trunions and straps).

Dooley · 08-02-2009, 08:36 PM

The tailgate might be on a dually now but, unless someone filled in the 5 wiring holes and the 10 mounting screw holes for the DOT required marker lamps, that gate is off a standard fleetside truck bed.

willett · 08-02-2009, 09:57 PM

i do believe that the pivots are different sizes.

i know i had problems putting a gate of unknown year on my '78 box.

3r!c84 · 08-02-2009, 10:19 PM

i know this is off topic but what the hell

do any of your tailgates move up and down when its closed?
its only maby a 1/2 a in but i can hear its moving when im on dirt roads
????

f.monroe · 08-03-2009, 12:05 AM

The gate you have pictured looks like an older style band than what would have been on a mid 80's truck and since it isnt a factory dually gate , you might get lucky and find that it is an earlier gate . The price sure seems right .
Frank

f.monroe · 08-03-2009, 12:09 AM

For the record , here is what a 1973 gate and band should look like . This is only the rear shot and doesnt show the side of the gate that makes it year specific but it does show the correct tailgate band for 73 .
Frank

Desert1957 · 08-03-2009, 06:58 PM

Just a note I bought a used 70's style rear insert at a swap meet , and it would not fit in any of my 81-87 tailgates , the 70's insert was too wide....

Desert

setelec 73 · 08-03-2009, 07:05 PM

????

ont_guy_38 · 08-03-2009, 07:26 PM

Correct me if, I,m wrong but I think that it a 73 or so tail band on there have a good look at it guys

Desert1957 · 08-03-2009, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by setelec 73

????

"That is not a correct tailgate band for the early 70's but who cares. It will look just fine unless your going for a perfect restoration."

This was my response to this post....sorry

Desert

Walts_restoration · 08-03-2009, 09:08 PM

73-74 are bolt on. 75-76 mount the same as the 73-74 excluding they are quick release, and can be used on the early ones with the horseshoe bracket. And then you have 77-87 IIRC. I dont have many 80s trucks, but i have plenty of 73-80s i toy with. Dont know about trim differences.

setelec 73 · 08-04-2009, 01:29 AM

Well the seller is going to deliver it to me in 1 week... What a nice guy!!! Glad there are still a few good people outside this forum. I will keep everyone updated and will be posting new pics soon,

setelec 73 · 08-15-2009, 12:25 AM

Ok so now here is the dillema. I got the gate, but hte latches were broken. I have bought new latches from a nice local member but I cant get the gate to work to save my life. Here are a few pics of my setup hopefully someone can help!!!!! What do I have wrong. Keep in mind the fifth wheel gate you see with straps was made by grandps. What year is this gate anyone?

Also does anyone have any photos of the correct hinges? Maybe your setup. Maybe I am installing them wrong?

bigblock73 · 08-15-2009, 05:48 AM

That is an early 'gate, 73-74 or so. You can tell because it "used" to have the tabs at the top that stick out and slide into the pockets you have on the bed of your truck...I say "used" to because it looks like the PO cut them off to run on their newer bed. I can get you latches next time I go to the JY.

The bracketry you have pictured is newer, you can tell because it is the quick release kind (oval and round trunions)...whereas the early gates were not quick release..both were round. The problem you are having is due to the straps/latches...they changed lenghth ever so slightly with the TG changes over the years...I put the early straps/latches side by side with the late 70's straps/latches...and I could see the difference.

setelec 73 · 08-15-2009, 10:01 PM

I still have both round trunions? As that is what gramps installed the 5th wheel gate with. Should I use these? The ones that came with it seem loose, however couldn't figure out how to bolt the gate on with two round hinges? or trunions? I did buy the brackeets that were listed here earlier but I think they are the wrong ones. Again Jeff and fellow board members. Your help is always greatly appreciated!!!!!

f.monroe · 08-15-2009, 10:27 PM

I thought it looked like it might be an early gate .

To install it with the correct hardware ,Slide the trunions in the tailgate , slide the gate in place , then install the bolts to the quarter panels . Having an extra set of hands will help .
Frank

bigblock73 · 08-15-2009, 10:27 PM

Yes, use the two round ones. You have to slide them onto the 'gate, then bolt them on the truck...a PITA to do, but that is how it was done until GM came up with the quick release. You need to make sure you have the correct strap/latch assembly...otherwise the latch on the gate will not click into the latch /strap assmebly (the one that bolts to the truck). That is your missing link.

EDIT: Frank beat me to it as I was typing.

setelec 73 · 08-16-2009, 12:11 AM

I think I have the wrong straps as I cannot close the gate. Seems as if it dosent have enough room to fold up and hide? I am out of town now...so will post pics of straps tommorrow. Or please post pics of correct straps for me.

bigblock73 · 08-16-2009, 12:19 AM

I can get pics tomorrow of my set....but be warned, they look a lot alike, the differences are minor.

setelec 73 · 08-16-2009, 10:34 PM

Her is a picture of the straps that I have. GM part numbers are #458026 and #458025. Are these the wrong ones?

08-02-2009, 03:51 PM	#1
setelec 73 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 78	Help with tailgate Found a tailgate on craigslist for 75 bucks. It is off of a 84 duelly the seller has all parts for it.... Just wondering if I can make this work for my 1973?? Take a look and tell me what you think.... Is it a good local buy??? Also how hard is it to convert if possible, and Has this trim ever appeared on a 1973??? meaning the band?? Attached Images __________________ 1973 3/4 Ton Chevy 454 1990 Ford Ranger 4.0 2002 Cadillac Deville Last edited by setelec 73; 08-02-2009 at 03:53 PM. Reason: adding pictue

08-02-2009, 04:19 PM	#2
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Help with tailgate If it is as mint as it looks, I would grab it. I "think" there was some difference in the brackets, but get everything and it should work. That is not a correct tailgate band for the early 70's but who cares. It will look just fine unless your going for a perfect restoration. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

08-02-2009, 04:51 PM	#3
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: Help with tailgate I agree with Ken. There are differences in the latches I believe, but if you get everything you should be able to make it work. Keep us updated.

08-02-2009, 05:46 PM	#5
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: Help with tailgate You may pm HotRod73, or Scoti. Jeff has a 73, and Scott has a 74. They may have pics to show the difference. You may also look on captkaos's site 73-87chevytrucks.com

08-02-2009, 07:15 PM	#6
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: Help with tailgate From the outside, with the trim panel on, the gates all look the same. To put that gate on your 73, you will need ALL the matching hardware (trunions and straps). __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

08-02-2009, 05:43 PM	#4
setelec 73 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 78	Re: Help with tailgate Thanks guys... Does anyone have any pics or knowledge on what I will have to change to get this to work?? Also never have seen a correct 73 gate myself, dont even know how one looks, But I do like this one. Except the color __________________ 1973 3/4 Ton Chevy 454 1990 Ford Ranger 4.0 2002 Cadillac Deville

08-02-2009, 08:36 PM	#7
Dooley Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North Coast Posts: 1,012	Re: Help with tailgate The tailgate might be on a dually now but, unless someone filled in the 5 wiring holes and the 10 mounting screw holes for the DOT required marker lamps, that gate is off a standard fleetside truck bed. Attached Images

08-02-2009, 09:57 PM	#8
willett Another Day, Another Dollar Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,316	Re: Help with tailgate i do believe that the pivots are different sizes. i know i had problems putting a gate of unknown year on my '78 box. __________________ -78 K20 Cheyenne 454 long box, 4" lift, 35" MT's, '84 cab, '80 box "its hip to be square"

08-02-2009, 10:19 PM	#9
3r!c84 Badass Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: lox. fl Posts: 4,586	Re: Help with tailgate i know this is off topic but what the hell do any of your tailgates move up and down when its closed? its only maby a 1/2 a in but i can hear its moving when im on dirt roads ???? __________________ Think outside the box? -84c10 (1stcar)→My Build← -00 Saturn 5spd drop a gear and disappear! 1/4:13:90

08-03-2009, 12:05 AM	#10
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	Re: Help with tailgate The gate you have pictured looks like an older style band than what would have been on a mid 80's truck and since it isnt a factory dually gate , you might get lucky and find that it is an earlier gate . The price sure seems right . Frank __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State !

08-03-2009, 12:09 AM	#11
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	Re: Help with tailgate For the record , here is what a 1973 gate and band should look like . This is only the rear shot and doesnt show the side of the gate that makes it year specific but it does show the correct tailgate band for 73 . Frank Attached Images __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State !

08-03-2009, 06:58 PM	#12
Desert1957 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New Freedom Pa. Posts: 1,335	Fyi Just a note I bought a used 70's style rear insert at a swap meet , and it would not fit in any of my 81-87 tailgates , the 70's insert was too wide.... Desert

08-03-2009, 07:05 PM	#13
setelec 73 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 78	Re: Help with tailgate ???? __________________ 1973 3/4 Ton Chevy 454 1990 Ford Ranger 4.0 2002 Cadillac Deville

08-03-2009, 07:26 PM	#14
ont_guy_38 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 1,006	Re: Help with tailgate Correct me if, I,m wrong but I think that it a 73 or so tail band on there have a good look at it guys

08-03-2009, 09:08 PM	#16
Walts_restoration Real Projects never die Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lawrence, kansas Posts: 1,508	Re: Help with tailgate 73-74 are bolt on. 75-76 mount the same as the 73-74 excluding they are quick release, and can be used on the early ones with the horseshoe bracket. And then you have 77-87 IIRC. I dont have many 80s trucks, but i have plenty of 73-80s i toy with. Dont know about trim differences. __________________ Ill put it this way, ive got a few lawn ornaments My name tag says Ryan KansasTwister On other forums



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08-04-2009, 01:29 AM	#17
setelec 73 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 78	Re: Help with tailgate Well the seller is going to deliver it to me in 1 week... What a nice guy!!! Glad there are still a few good people outside this forum. I will keep everyone updated and will be posting new pics soon, __________________ 1973 3/4 Ton Chevy 454 1990 Ford Ranger 4.0 2002 Cadillac Deville

08-15-2009, 12:25 AM	#18
setelec 73 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 78	Re: Help with tailgate Ok so now here is the dillema. I got the gate, but hte latches were broken. I have bought new latches from a nice local member but I cant get the gate to work to save my life. Here are a few pics of my setup hopefully someone can help!!!!! What do I have wrong. Keep in mind the fifth wheel gate you see with straps was made by grandps. What year is this gate anyone? Also does anyone have any photos of the correct hinges? Maybe your setup. Maybe I am installing them wrong? Attached Images __________________ 1973 3/4 Ton Chevy 454 1990 Ford Ranger 4.0 2002 Cadillac Deville Last edited by setelec 73; 08-15-2009 at 12:28 AM.

08-15-2009, 05:48 AM	#19
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: Help with tailgate That is an early 'gate, 73-74 or so. You can tell because it "used" to have the tabs at the top that stick out and slide into the pockets you have on the bed of your truck...I say "used" to because it looks like the PO cut them off to run on their newer bed. I can get you latches next time I go to the JY. The bracketry you have pictured is newer, you can tell because it is the quick release kind (oval and round trunions)...whereas the early gates were not quick release..both were round. The problem you are having is due to the straps/latches...they changed lenghth ever so slightly with the TG changes over the years...I put the early straps/latches side by side with the late 70's straps/latches...and I could see the difference. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale Last edited by bigblock73; 08-15-2009 at 05:52 AM.

08-15-2009, 10:01 PM	#20
setelec 73 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 78	Re: Help with tailgate I still have both round trunions? As that is what gramps installed the 5th wheel gate with. Should I use these? The ones that came with it seem loose, however couldn't figure out how to bolt the gate on with two round hinges? or trunions? I did buy the brackeets that were listed here earlier but I think they are the wrong ones. Again Jeff and fellow board members. Your help is always greatly appreciated!!!!! __________________ 1973 3/4 Ton Chevy 454 1990 Ford Ranger 4.0 2002 Cadillac Deville

08-15-2009, 10:27 PM	#21
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	Re: Help with tailgate I thought it looked like it might be an early gate . To install it with the correct hardware ,Slide the trunions in the tailgate , slide the gate in place , then install the bolts to the quarter panels . Having an extra set of hands will help . Frank __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State !

08-15-2009, 10:27 PM	#22
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: Help with tailgate Yes, use the two round ones. You have to slide them onto the 'gate, then bolt them on the truck...a PITA to do, but that is how it was done until GM came up with the quick release. You need to make sure you have the correct strap/latch assembly...otherwise the latch on the gate will not click into the latch /strap assmebly (the one that bolts to the truck). That is your missing link. EDIT: Frank beat me to it as I was typing. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale Last edited by bigblock73; 08-15-2009 at 10:28 PM.

08-16-2009, 12:11 AM	#23
setelec 73 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 78	Re: Help with tailgate I think I have the wrong straps as I cannot close the gate. Seems as if it dosent have enough room to fold up and hide? I am out of town now...so will post pics of straps tommorrow. Or please post pics of correct straps for me. __________________ 1973 3/4 Ton Chevy 454 1990 Ford Ranger 4.0 2002 Cadillac Deville

08-16-2009, 12:19 AM	#24
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: Help with tailgate I can get pics tomorrow of my set....but be warned, they look a lot alike, the differences are minor. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

08-16-2009, 10:34 PM	#25
setelec 73 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 78	Re: Help with tailgate Her is a picture of the straps that I have. GM part numbers are #458026 and #458025. Are these the wrong ones? Attached Images __________________ 1973 3/4 Ton Chevy 454 1990 Ford Ranger 4.0 2002 Cadillac Deville

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