Detachable tailgate hinges. Would they work?

[custom10nut]

I was at the Auto parts store today, and saw a set of replacement hinges on the Help Rack.
This got me thinking. Would these work on my 70, so that I could take the tailgate off when needed?
Just a thought, and to see if anyone else has done it.

[Gromit]

I had this question too.. I wanted to move a piano recently and the thought of setting even one end of the piano on the open tailgate just didn't look safe. So I passed on the piano and made a note to self to look into making my '70 tailgate more easily removable, like I think newer truck tailgates are.

I haven't tried searching the 67-72 forum archives for this topic yet though0.

[custom10nut]

Yep, that was the very reason I was looking at it, except I was moving my Hot Tub. The parts store has the complete sets for pretty cheap.

[hugger6933]

I thought of using later model hardware so that it could be removable I just never got to that part to see if it would work

[custom10nut]

It was just a thought today, so now I'm going to have to look at the original and see if they might work. It all depends on mount holes and clearance.

['68OrangeSunshine]

A buddy of mine had a late '80s Ford 250 pickup. The quick-detach tailgate was either standard or an option on those trucks.
Somebody helped themselves to his tailgate by quickly detaching it while he was in the store.
Careful what you wish for.

[scooterpimp]

Just carry a 9/16 wrench & its removable..if trunion roller isnt siezed.

[cleszkie]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

A buddy of mine had a late '80s Ford 250 pickup. The quick-detach tailgate was either standard or an option on those trucks.
Somebody helped themselves to his tailgate by quickly detaching it while he was in the store.
Careful what you wish for.

I remember this being a big problem. Make something easily removable, and the thieves will capitalize on it. As mentioned, our gates are already so easy so remove, seems like a waste of money.

[Gromit]

One morning in 2016 while sitting and drinking coffee at home I heard a big crash outside and the sound of something sliding on the asphalt.

Opening the front door and looking out I saw a city worker loading a very scraped-up tailgate into the bed of his official city (Ford F250) pickup.. seems he went over a whoop-de-do in the street a little too fast and the tailgate fell off his truck and slid for half a block down the street.

Not sure what the cause was or if his tailgate was open or shut or previously damaged but I can imagine the event could have been a lot worse if he'd been moving at 80 mph an the freeway - fast enough to get that loose tailgate cartwheeling into opposing traffic.

So I think 68OrangeSunshine has a good point.. maybe be careful what you wish for in making a tailgate TOO easy to remove - there must be a happy medium.