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

ryans69chevy · 10-01-2011, 11:58 PM

How come some trucks came with the woodgrain lettering on the tailgate and some came with the lettering actually stamped into the tailgate and painted white? Was it for some years they did one way and then switched for the next couple years?

If someone can explain to me the reason why so I can learn a little history and I'm trying to decide what way I should go when I get a new tailgate, if I should get a smooth one then put that woodgrain lettering band on or if I should get a stamped chevy tailgate and just have them painted white which is how mine is right now on my 69.

Thank you!

**70cst** · 10-02-2011, 12:06 AM

The trucks with the options such as the CST package had the band on the gate. Trucks w/o options had just the letters stamped into the metal. If I am wrong others can add more correct info.

**Palf70Step** · 10-02-2011, 01:06 AM

They all had the letters stamped in the tailgate. If you got the higher end wood grain or black trim, they just screwed it on top of the stamped gate. Far as I know the only way to get a tailgate with the letters stamped in now days is to find an original gate somewhere as GM stopped the aftermarket folks from making the stamped ones.

VA72C10 · 10-02-2011, 01:13 AM

except keyparts and goodmark make a stamped chevrolet gate for around $350 plus shipping that's as heavy as an NOS gate and fits almost as good...

**Palf70Step** · 10-02-2011, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VA72C10

except keyparts and goodmark make a stamped chevrolet gate for around $350 plus shipping that's as heavy as an NOS gate and fits almost as good...

That is good to know. I was not aware anyone was making them again.

71sierragrande · 10-02-2011, 01:26 AM

LMC has the stamped gates for $330.

68 IRON · 10-02-2011, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VA72C10

except keyparts and goodmark make a stamped chevrolet gate for around $350 plus shipping that's as heavy as an NOS gate and fits almost as good...

Where is the fit off? I know the weight is about the same and feels good and sturdy.

VA72C10 · 10-02-2011, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68 IRON

Where is the fit off? I know the weight is about the same and feels good and sturdy.

The top edge profile is slightly off from what I've seen. Not a huge deal but not exactly correct either. Also, the reproduction ones have nicer spot welds than the originals...again, not a big deal to me but someone wanting a 100% resto would notice....just like the pinches on the top two corners of a stock rad support that aren't there on a reproduction

chopnchaneled · 10-03-2011, 09:43 AM

On mine the socket where the tail gate hinges was a lot larger in diameter and you have to cut it on the top and make it smaller to raise the gate to make it flush with the top of the bed.

VA72C10 · 10-03-2011, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chopnchaneled

On mine the socket where the tail gate hinges was a lot larger in diameter and you have to cut it on the top and make it smaller to raise the gate to make it flush with the top of the bed.

I think that's a common issue on factory trucks also...I've seen a couple of original paint trucks with that same issue...we have to remember quality control on our old pickups wasn't what it is today...my 71 blazer was like that with both the original gate and the repop...

ryans69chevy · 10-04-2011, 10:01 AM

So when I look for a tailgate I want to get one with the letters stamped and then I can buy a woodgrain stamped panel as well to go above the stamped letters on the tailgate? Does anyone have any pics of how this is suppose to look? It seems to me that the only tailgates I've seen is either 1. stamped or 2. no stamped, but has a woodgrain panel to take the place.

Thanks

hounddogs! · 10-04-2011, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryans69chevy

So when I look for a tailgate I want to get one with the letters stamped and then I can buy a woodgrain stamped panel as well to go above the stamped letters on the tailgate? Does anyone have any pics of how this is suppose to look? It seems to me that the only tailgates I've seen is either 1. stamped or 2. no stamped, but has a woodgrain panel to take the place.

Thanks

#2 would be stamped as well, just covered up with the aluminum + woodgrain panel. With the woodgrain in place, you can't see the stamped letters from either side.

VA72C10 · 10-04-2011, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryans69chevy

So when I look for a tailgate I want to get one with the letters stamped and then I can buy a woodgrain stamped panel as well to go above the stamped letters on the tailgate? Does anyone have any pics of how this is suppose to look? It seems to me that the only tailgates I've seen is either 1. stamped or 2. no stamped, but has a woodgrain panel to take the place.

Thanks

if you get a keyparts/triplus non-stamped gate you will save around $100+. They are exactly the same as the stamped gate other than the stamped letters....

I have seen some brand non-stamped gates that will fold in the middle if you sit on them so that's why I can only recommend the keyparts/triplus gate at this time....

HeavyMetalChevy · 10-09-2011, 08:48 PM

so chevy NEVER made a non-stamped tailgate??? All ones without the stamp are not original?

VA72C10 · 10-09-2011, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeavyMetalChevy

so chevy NEVER made a non-stamped tailgate??? All ones without the stamp are not original?

correct. Every chevy/gmc came with a stamped gate...even if the applique is on the gate it's stamped under it.

10-01-2011, 11:58 PM	#1
ryans69chevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Casselton, North Dakota 58012 Posts: 1,074	Tailgate question How come some trucks came with the woodgrain lettering on the tailgate and some came with the lettering actually stamped into the tailgate and painted white? Was it for some years they did one way and then switched for the next couple years? If someone can explain to me the reason why so I can learn a little history and I'm trying to decide what way I should go when I get a new tailgate, if I should get a smooth one then put that woodgrain lettering band on or if I should get a stamped chevy tailgate and just have them painted white which is how mine is right now on my 69. Thank you!

10-02-2011, 01:06 AM	#3
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,790	Re: Tailgate question They all had the letters stamped in the tailgate. If you got the higher end wood grain or black trim, they just screwed it on top of the stamped gate. Far as I know the only way to get a tailgate with the letters stamped in now days is to find an original gate somewhere as GM stopped the aftermarket folks from making the stamped ones. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

10-02-2011, 01:13 AM	#4
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,269	Re: Tailgate question except keyparts and goodmark make a stamped chevrolet gate for around $350 plus shipping that's as heavy as an NOS gate and fits almost as good... __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

10-02-2011, 01:26 AM	#6
71sierragrande Petroleum User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 928	Re: Tailgate question LMC has the stamped gates for $330. __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande 2WD 1/2 ton, 350/400 auto 2008 Chevy Silverado 2WD 1/2 ton LT1 5.3L auto

10-03-2011, 09:43 AM	#9
chopnchaneled Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 1,050	Re: Tailgate question On mine the socket where the tail gate hinges was a lot larger in diameter and you have to cut it on the top and make it smaller to raise the gate to make it flush with the top of the bed. __________________ I don't think we get smarter as we get older. We just run out of Stupid things to do.

10-02-2011, 12:06 AM	#2
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,365	Re: Tailgate question The trucks with the options such as the CST package had the band on the gate. Trucks w/o options had just the letters stamped into the metal. If I am wrong others can add more correct info. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

10-04-2011, 10:01 AM	#11
ryans69chevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Casselton, North Dakota 58012 Posts: 1,074	Re: Tailgate question So when I look for a tailgate I want to get one with the letters stamped and then I can buy a woodgrain stamped panel as well to go above the stamped letters on the tailgate? Does anyone have any pics of how this is suppose to look? It seems to me that the only tailgates I've seen is either 1. stamped or 2. no stamped, but has a woodgrain panel to take the place. Thanks

10-09-2011, 08:48 PM	#14
HeavyMetalChevy Just a Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Vevay, IN 47043 remimartin257@aol.com Posts: 4,603	Re: Tailgate question so chevy NEVER made a non-stamped tailgate??? All ones without the stamp are not original? __________________ 72 C-10 Cheyenne 350/350 ALL ORIGINAL 81,158 miles (1st) 69 7/8 ton(s & l) 66 327 short block rebuild.325 hp(2nd) 70 C-20 88 350 long block rebuild .040 bore. forged crank GM ZZ4 Hot Cam 1.5 roller rockers.375hp Aluminum TH400(3rd) 71 SWB frame off with 68 body. POSI PayPal: remimartin257@aol.com Business Inquires: 812 801 5111 "Help me, help you" that's my motto Members met... BuildinA68, jessewebb, daddymoo2, 70STOVEBOLT, irishfan77, feller, fine69, chevytruckguy70, jamie72, Nohatch, 2112, drtydog



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