73-80 Tailgate on 81-87

[Sodell]

What would I have to do to use this tailgate on an 87?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-Pickup...2315a8&vxp=mtr

[andrewmp6]

I believe it should bolt on but don't hold me to that.

[cadillac_al]

I'll 2nd that. It looks like the newer style 77 and up so it should slip right on.

[Chevy3+3]

I'm running a 78' gate on my 88' square. It will fit

[Jonboy]

It will fit, but to make it 100% you need to get the bed side hinges for it too. Depends how picky you want to be. The later model hinges are a little smaller.

[willett]

Early tailgate will fit on late box, late tailgate will fit on early box with some
Modification to the pivot

[Sodell]

Thanks all...I want to use a tailgate with that insert or one that has the "CHEVROLET" all the way across. Still on the hunt for one. I currently have a decent later model Chevy tailgate and a perfect late model GMC tailgate..

[andrewmp6]

Yeah the narrow tailgate band it has looks better to me,But they wasn't offered long and everyone wants one today.

[83GMCK2500]

Early early gates WILL NOT fit late beds (without work), they have an additional set of alignment tabs near the top that insert into the rear stake pocket area. That gate is a later early gate, if the band is original it's a 1977 gate. I can't speak to the trunnion differences, will take more research. At the very least, swap trunnions, either put newer ones on the gate or older ones on the bed.