Bolts for tailgate center trim

[loujizzel]

Will this be a viable option to buy a 84 tailgate skin and have it welded onto my 73 tailgate?

[loujizzel]

Its never f@$!# easy.....lol

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by loujizzel

Will a 84-87 tailgate fit on a 1973 C10

If I'm reading the part interchange book right, the tailgates where as followed:

1973-1976 fleetside tailgate will fit 73-80 fleetside
1981-1987 fleetside tailgate will fit 81-87 fleetside

So your band you have fill fit a tailgate from 1981-87 tailgates, but that tailgate won't fit your 73. I'm not saying modifications can't be made, but that is way out of my area of expertise.

[loujizzel]

Cool thanks for that info.... so my only three options is one leave it the way it is without a band or two cut my existing tailgate to fit the band that I have now or 3 buy a 84 tailgate skin cut my skin off and replace it with the 84 skin

Jesus crackers it's never easy.....lol

[TKCR]

Originally Posted by loujizzel

Cool thanks for that info.... so my only three options is one leave it the way it is without a band or two cut my existing tailgate to fit the band that I have now or 3 buy a 84 tailgate skin cut my skin off and replace it with the 84 skin

Jesus crackers it's never easy.....lol

Or, get the band that fits your tailgate.

I mean obviously, from the photo you posted of the black truck. it's a late body style truck, that has the 80's style tailgate. So it can be done. It may just be as simple as swapping out the hinges on the bed & tailgate itself.

[bbbc10]

Jus find an 73-80 tailgate band an swap the backs its super easy...seems like ur making this into a big deal an use a scotch brite pad an use wd 40 an stay with the grain of the band

[loujizzel]

Originally Posted by bbbc10

Jus find an 73-80 tailgate band an swap the backs its super easy...seems like ur making this into a big deal an use a scotch brite pad an use wd 40 an stay with the grain of the band

Best answer an idea I heard thus far I am now on a mission to find a 73 to 80 band tailgate band that is LOL

[friscobob]

I put an early tailgate on my 81 by changing the trunnions, the part that is bolted to the bed that the tailgate rotates in. You will also need to change the top rubber bumper.

[bbbc10]

Trust me its easier swapping backs.....i had to swap a 81-87 back onto my k5 blazer band on my 84 shortbed....no need to put another tailgate on an painting it to match is to much work an money.....

[loujizzel]

[QUOTE=bbbc10;7736970]Trust me its easier swapping backs.....i had to swap a 81-87 back onto my k5 blazer band on my 84 shortbed....no need to put another tailgate on an painting it to match is to much work an money.....[/

Well I just took the back of the band off and try to line up the actual band on my tailgate and even if I swapped back brackets that band is just way too thick it sticks out on the edges it doesn't sit flush so I found one office 77 that I will pick up tomorrow I will try both ways and see what happens

[bbbc10]

that's not a big deal at all also jus trim it.....I had the same problem when I put the k5 band on mine.....jus trimmed the corners man....its not that hard

[bbbc10]

.........

[loujizzel]

Originally Posted by bbbc10

.........

That looks good.... looks shaved.... i have that handle but i did think about trimming it... but if i do that the bracket won't have anything to hold onto I will probably have to get some really good glue to attach it to the band since it won't have anything to hook up to

[friscobob]

Originally Posted by bbbc10

.........

Do you have a pic of the latch, I sure like that look.
Bob

[bbbc10]

Yes it will jus fold the edges back down.....ur saying it wont work but i have already done all this an mine fits perfect.......do i have go out an get pics so u can get the ideal

[bbbc10]

Latch? U mean tailgate handle?

[loujizzel]

Originally Posted by bbbc10

Latch? U mean tailgate handle?

Yes the tailgate handle... how did you trim your band to fit flush ? I'm guessing I could do it with my Dremel tool but if I cut it it's going to be razor sharp so I'm thinking I might have to go get a hammer and something to go inside there so when I hit it I can bend it over and make a rounded Edge

[loujizzel]

By the way I have the 77 bracket and I did put it on the 84 tailgate band like I said the only thing that messing up is that it's not sitting flush I almost want to say f it and leave it the way it is but I got to get it flush

[bbbc10]

Didnt have to trim my band for it to fit over the tailgate handle.....i will go get some pics so you can see where i trimmed it for it to sit flush

[bbbc10]

u can see where I trimmed it on all four corners an also how much and u can see where I unfolded an folded the edges to get the back on an it sits flush

[UKNOWME]

Install a narrow band on it. Looks the best for 73-80 models IMO

[loujizzel]

Originally Posted by bbbc10

u can see where I trimmed it on all four corners an also how much and u can see where I unfolded an folded the edges to get the back on an it sits flush

That looks badass dude how did you fold it over did use a hammer and a dowl

[bbbc10]

It was time consuming i used a flathead screw driver to get it up the got pliers to finish getting it up then used the pliers an tapped it back down......im sure there is a easier way lol

[loujizzel]

Thanks for all your advise .... he is a teaser vid i hope it turns out ok

https://youtu.be/WPIicTASsFE

[loujizzel]

I should have it done by tomorrow..... key word SHOULD....LOL