Tailgate Questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BMERDOC · 09-12-2011, 08:11 PM

So I finished up my El Cheapo bed floor this weekend and decided it was time to fit the tailgate. I've never looked at it except to see how beat up and rusty it was. I wanted to see how it fit before I hosed it own with the rattle can. Thats when I learned something new...Apparently they didn't care about quickly removing or installing the gate in those days. I think I figured it out but I don't like it. Who has modified their tailgate to be removed like a modern truck? Researched suggested that the notched setup didn't come out until '77. Can I just get the 77 and up, squared off trunion and notch the gate? Is there a better way to do it?

Longhorn Man · 09-12-2011, 08:33 PM

I wouldn't bother personally.
I've been driving these trucks exclusivly (with an 18 month break) since 97. I have removed the tailgate on a running driving truck once.
Doesn't seem worth the hassle to me.

**LockDoc** · 09-12-2011, 08:37 PM

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Levi (IvelDesigns) did it on his truck. It's in the build threads somewhere. I'll see if I can find it...

No luck

LockDoc

crushermechanic · 09-12-2011, 10:01 PM

i made mine removable. the later model hinges are smaller diameter than our hinge pockets. i took my hinge and cut the hinge and made it look like a later hinge then cut the tailgate to fit. i dont have any pics of it sorry.

BMERDOC · 09-12-2011, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crushermechanic

i made mine removable. the later model hinges are smaller diameter than our hinge pockets. i took my hinge and cut the hinge and made it look like a later hinge then cut the tailgate to fit. i dont have any pics of it sorry.

Thanks for the input guys!! This looks like the way to go. I can get it done in minutes with an air saw. A little longer if I wanna add metal back into the cut area to reinforce it.

**LockDoc** · 09-13-2011, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMERDOC

Thanks for the input guys!! This looks like the way to go. I can get it done in minutes with an air saw. A little longer if I wanna add metal back into the cut area to reinforce it.

I think I would reinforce it like the later ones or the fit will probably be a little sloppy on that side.

LockDoc

VA72C10 · 10-07-2011, 02:14 AM

If you decide to do it post up some pictures and a step by step detail and we'll add it to the FAQ section so others looking will ask...

BMERDOC · 10-07-2011, 09:09 AM

Hey, I did what Crushermechanic did and it turned out great. I'll add pics when I take the gate off to paint it.

Vintage Windmills · 10-07-2011, 10:44 AM

Cool, looking forward to pics

09-12-2011, 08:11 PM	#1
BMERDOC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 2,934	Tailgate Questions So I finished up my El Cheapo bed floor this weekend and decided it was time to fit the tailgate. I've never looked at it except to see how beat up and rusty it was. I wanted to see how it fit before I hosed it own with the rattle can. Thats when I learned something new...Apparently they didn't care about quickly removing or installing the gate in those days. I think I figured it out but I don't like it. Who has modified their tailgate to be removed like a modern truck? Researched suggested that the notched setup didn't come out until '77. Can I just get the 77 and up, squared off trunion and notch the gate? Is there a better way to do it? __________________ Nick Carter 1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside Project Cheap Thrills! 2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments Easiest Alignment Ever!

09-12-2011, 08:33 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Tailgate Questions I wouldn't bother personally. I've been driving these trucks exclusivly (with an 18 month break) since 97. I have removed the tailgate on a running driving truck once. Doesn't seem worth the hassle to me.

09-12-2011, 08:37 PM	#3
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,405	Re: Tailgate Questions - Levi (IvelDesigns) did it on his truck. It's in the build threads somewhere. I'll see if I can find it... No luck LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 09-12-2011 at 08:54 PM.

09-12-2011, 10:01 PM	#4
crushermechanic Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fort Walton Beach, Fl Posts: 357	Re: Tailgate Questions i made mine removable. the later model hinges are smaller diameter than our hinge pockets. i took my hinge and cut the hinge and made it look like a later hinge then cut the tailgate to fit. i dont have any pics of it sorry.

10-07-2011, 02:14 AM	#7
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: Tailgate Questions If you decide to do it post up some pictures and a step by step detail and we'll add it to the FAQ section so others looking will ask... __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

10-07-2011, 09:09 AM	#8
BMERDOC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 2,934	Re: Tailgate Questions Hey, I did what Crushermechanic did and it turned out great. I'll add pics when I take the gate off to paint it. __________________ Nick Carter 1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside Project Cheap Thrills! 2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments Easiest Alignment Ever!

10-07-2011, 10:44 AM	#9
Vintage Windmills Vintage 4x4s Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Prior Lake, MN Posts: 4,305	Re: Tailgate Questions Cool, looking forward to pics __________________ 67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6



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