Tail gate removal - 62 stepside

[62step]

Ok, My tail gate on my 62 is very rusty, I'm going to get a new one soon and I can't get my old one off! I've tried to unscrew the screws on the ends but the inside (nut?) is spinning with it, I'm sure its rusted, but is there anyway to get this thing off?

I don't want to tear the tail gate up too much because I plan on making some tail gate benches in the near future with some tail gates I have laying around..

Thanks for the advise! If this is a simple fix, I'm sorry for my stupidity!

Mike

[Jurassic-1]

you could drill a hole with the gate down on the end and put a punch in the hole to hold it from turning.

[markeb01]

You might also try hosing down the area with penetrating oil and then driving an old screwdriver between the outer skin of the tailgate and the trunnion. This might wedge tight enough to lock it up. Removing the bolt with an impact wrench might be successful. If it doesn't spin and still won't unscrew, you might get lucky and snap the bolt.

[forestb]

There should be a grove in the cylinder/nut that you can stick a screwdriver in to keep it from spinning. At least that is what my 62 has.

[62step]

Awesome, thanks guys, I guess I can get another cylinder at LMC truck or something similar?

[62 Barnfind]

I had to cut one of my tailgate bolts off with a die grinder. The other I put the screwdriver in the slot and used WD-40 and finally got it off. The LMC or classic chevy replacements are the same.