Tailgate swapping questions

[kxmotox247]

Let me begin by saying that imported repro tailgates suck. Years of loading dirtbikes in and out of it left me with the ugliest most bowed out tailgate anyone has ever seen. I won't scar you guys with a picture.

Well... last night I stuck a different tailgate on the back of my 68'.
I picked up an original for $20 at a swapmeet! It's not bowed at all. It has very little rusting at the bottom. It has a few small dings but those should work out.

Anyway, here are my questions:
1) My bedsides are leaning inwards at the top so my tailgate rubs the bed as it closes. I know the problem there is my bed. How do I fix this? Should I get a cargo bar to spread the bed out? I want the permanant solution.
2) The new tailgate latch/handle is stiff and hard to pull. How can I make it open easier? How do I grease the latch? Does anyone have an exploded diagram of a tailgate mechanism? It has to operate smoother than this.

Thanks in advance!
Josh