Tailgate alignment / adjustment help please

[Luke87gt]

Hi guys,

The tailgate on my ‘69 looks to be a bit misaligned.

If you notice, the left side needs to come up about 1/4” and the entire tailgate needs to be rotated clockwise by a degree or two, if that makes sense.

You can see there are larger gaps on the bottom left and upper right that need to be corrected.

Having the never done this, I’m wondering what built in adjustment exists for addressing the problem. Thank you.

[Richard]

If you open the tailgate you will see the trunnion (pivot point) at the bottom edge. There are two bolts on the body side, one above and one below the tailgate. Loosen the bolts on the left side enough so tailgate can move. Lift up maybe 3/16"-1/4" and tighten bolts. I like to mark where the bracket was using masking tape at edges so I know where the bracket was originally. Tape at bottom and back of bracket would be appropriate. Hope this helps.

[Luke87gt]

Thank you! I will give it a try and report back.

[1970cstblazer]

The reverse lenses have been replaced over the years. The original 1969 lenses had the bullseye pattern that match the taillamp lenses.

[Luke87gt]

Thank you for letting me know!

That’s an example of why this site is great, would have probably never known that otherwise.

[1970cstblazer]

To help with your search, the original GM part numbers for the 1967-70 reverse lamp lenses are:

5959461 LH

5959462 RH

Also, they have been recently reproduced.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/11606015880...Bk9SR5iOiLeAZA

[67-72C10]

It is just out of square. Put a stake about 3 feet long in the rear bed pocket. Starting on the drivers side standing in the bed push out on the stake, have a buddy watch the gap go just a little past what you want and check it until you get the gap you want. (If you go to far pull it back.)
On the right side do the same except pull the stake just a little and keep checking it until you get your gap the way you want it. ( If you go to far push it back. )
The tailgate should slide over to where it needs to be. I hope this helps you...

[howzzzit]

Might want to consider this type of trunion roller before you align the tailgate. Not necessarily this brand. Various vendors carry them. Your tailgate will open very smoothly instead of grinding metal against metal. You can enlarge/elongate the holes if you need a little more adjustment. Worked great for me.

https://www.amazon.com/SEBLAFF-Feets.../dp/B0CW9N92DS

[WorldsCrappiestTruck]

Originally Posted by 67-72C10

It is just out of square. Put a stake about 3 feet long in the rear bed pocket. Starting on the drivers side standing in the bed push out on the stake, have a buddy watch the gap go just a little past what you want and check it until you get the gap you want. (If you go to far pull it back.)
On the right side do the same except pull the stake just a little and keep checking it until you get your gap the way you want it. ( If you go to far push it back. )
The tailgate should slide over to where it needs to be. I hope this helps you...

Great idea.

I just used a heavy duty ratchet strap to pull in the bedside until a nice gap was present, but the stake method is a real good idea.

[Richard]

Tweaking and bending is sometimes necessary. Do not think that is the case here. OP said left side is low and I can see it in the picture. When the left side is raised not only will the top edge align, the out of square condition will be addressed as well.