Lets talk tailgates...your help needed - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bigblock73 · 09-07-2007, 08:19 PM

OK, with all the tailgate discussions that have popped up, I thought it would be a good idea to document the differences and post them in an article I'll publish on 73-87.com. Anyone here with me?

Here are some of the pics I have.

These are mid/late 70's gates. I believe the white one is more mid 70's (maybe 75/76), while the green one is a late 70's (maybe 77-80)...

Here are comparisons of the latch assembly on the gates...

I tried to get a pic of my '73 gate, which is currently bare steel, but it didn't turn out...I'll try again later. Until then, here is a picture of it from the side...notice the differences in the bottom trunion...

Soo...it would be nice to narrow down which ones are which. If anyone can go out to their truck, snap a few quality pics, and post them here along with the information about the truck it is off...that would be awesome! Also, if you know for a fact what the differences are between the years, it would be great to hear from you.

Mr79C10 · 09-08-2007, 10:26 AM

Very interesting, I have a 79 C10 and my tail gate is like the green one. Reason I was asking is I thought it may have been replaced with a different tail gate. Cuz the handle relocater doesnt fit just right.

jb4short · 09-08-2007, 06:31 PM

My uderstanding is that it should look like the white one from '73 to mid-'76; after mid-'76 that welded on guide at the top is no longer there and the guide is welded to the latch assembly

ChaseDale3and8 · 09-08-2007, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tri-ProAutomotive

My uderstanding is that it should look like the white one from '73 to mid-'76; after mid-'76 that welded on guide at the top is no longer there and the guide is welded to the latch assembly

I thought the same thing. I owned a 76 and a 77 years ago. I know that they made changes to the tailgates and the bedsides. I was sure that the white one was the 73-76 1/2 because the 77 and up don't have the hole in the bedsides for that upper tailgate guide. ...Joe

**Palf70Step** · 09-08-2007, 09:33 PM

I can't help beyond this shot on the truck. My old 82's tailgate.

bigblock73 · 09-09-2007, 12:07 AM

I spoke with Chris (captkaos) tonight, here is what we came up with soo far..

73-74 do not have the quick release option...and look like the bare steel one I posted above (off my 73).

75-76 look like the white one posted above, which has the same latch assembly as the 73-74...but also has that decorative reveal around the recesses portion on the outside AND the quick release design...making it different than the 73-74. The white one is definately not a 73-74 unit.

77-80 look like the green one. The only difference between the 75-76 and the 77-80 are the latch assemblies (see pics to view the differences).

81+ gates are all the same, and look like the one palf posted.

bigblock79 · 09-09-2007, 10:38 PM

ill check my 76 1 ton out tormm.

moneyeater · 09-10-2007, 04:27 AM

Here are pics from my ´81 GMC!Quality is not too good,sorry for that!
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jb4short · 09-10-2007, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaseDale3and8

I thought the same thing. I owned a 76 and a 77 years ago. I know that they made changes to the tailgates and the bedsides. I was sure that the white one was the 73-76 1/2 because the 77 and up don't have the hole in the bedsides for that upper tailgate guide. ...Joe

Our '75 has the holes, with threaded holes, for both guides.

**Captkaos** · 09-11-2007, 10:31 AM

There are 3 holes in the side of all the gates. The pieces should interchange. All of them are threaded. The 3rd hole is hiding behind the latch bracket on the later style

**N2TRUX** · 10-29-2007, 09:57 AM

Dang Jeff I thought you had added this to your site. Your slackin...

bigblock79 · 10-30-2007, 01:38 PM

here is a pic of my 73

bigblock79 · 11-01-2007, 10:48 PM

TTT my 73 is just light yours 73

Jonboy · 08-15-2013, 12:12 PM

I know this is a waaay old thread, but what are the differences in the RH bed side hinge? I am trying to fit an '80 gate on a '83 bed, and it isn't happening. what is the year break for the quick release bed side RH hinge? The '83 hinge is too small for the '80 gate.

bigblock73 · 08-15-2013, 12:44 PM

I think the diameter changed with the gate design...81. Use 80 parts, and you should be fine.

Keith Seymore · 08-15-2013, 12:56 PM

Jeff -

Were you focused primarily on the trunions, linkages and latches?

Don't forget that on '81 and above the lettering gets scootched to one side (Chevy compressed on the right; GMC on the left) rather than centered.

K

bigblock73 · 08-15-2013, 07:16 PM

The straps were the same from 77-87 I believe...the trunions and hinges need to be matched, and had at least 3 different styles (non quick release, quick release, and the smaller 81 and up design)
Posted via Mobile Device

Skunksmash · 08-15-2013, 08:08 PM

Any way we can get some of these comparisons on the 80's gates?

**MusicMan70** · 08-15-2013, 08:35 PM

1973

Brockwaykid · 08-15-2013, 08:59 PM

Is there any way to change the hinges to cables?
Posted via Mobile Device

Skunksmash · 08-15-2013, 09:53 PM

Are cables really better? All the old ones I've seen become... pretty wore out. The hinges don't really wear out.

Brockwaykid · 08-15-2013, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skunksmash

Are cables really better? All the old ones I've seen become... pretty wore out. The hinges don't really wear out.

Ive seen them wear out before, but thats only if the gate gets loads put on it all the time. I personally dont like hinges because they bind up after not being used for a while. I know that the 88-98 gates can be converted from hinge to cable because i did swapped a gate this winter for a friend. Maybe those cables will be the same length. my only concern is the mounting...
Posted via Mobile Device

Jonboy · 08-16-2013, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblock73

The straps were the same from 77-87 I believe...the trunions and hinges need to be matched, and had at least 3 different styles (non quick release, quick release, and the smaller 81 and up design)
Posted via Mobile Device

Yeah. I have two of the three. Guess which one I need.....

FWIW, getting a gate off without the quick release option is a royal pain. I am glad that gate was already taco'd.

bigblock73 · 08-16-2013, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonboy

FWIW, getting a gate off without the quick release option is a royal pain. I am glad that gate was already taco'd.

Think its hard taking it of...try putting one on a freshly painted truck...lol

kevinr1970 · 08-16-2013, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skunksmash

Any way we can get some of these comparisons on the 80's gates?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Don't forget that on '81 and above the lettering gets scootched to one side (Chevy compressed on the right; GMC on the left) rather than centered.

K

Skunk, I think that is the way to tell the difference, the lettering is off to the side?
The hinges, mounts trunions, etc are the same through the 80's.

Maybe I don't understand what you are looking for?

09-07-2007, 08:19 PM	#1
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	Lets talk tailgates...your help needed OK, with all the tailgate discussions that have popped up, I thought it would be a good idea to document the differences and post them in an article I'll publish on 73-87.com. Anyone here with me? Here are some of the pics I have. These are mid/late 70's gates. I believe the white one is more mid 70's (maybe 75/76), while the green one is a late 70's (maybe 77-80)... Here are comparisons of the latch assembly on the gates... I tried to get a pic of my '73 gate, which is currently bare steel, but it didn't turn out...I'll try again later. Until then, here is a picture of it from the side...notice the differences in the bottom trunion... Soo...it would be nice to narrow down which ones are which. If anyone can go out to their truck, snap a few quality pics, and post them here along with the information about the truck it is off...that would be awesome! Also, if you know for a fact what the differences are between the years, it would be great to hear from you. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale Last edited by bigblock73; 09-07-2007 at 08:20 PM.

09-08-2007, 10:26 AM	#2
Mr79C10 It Is What It Is,,,, Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: The Gun Shine StateFlorida* Posts: 1,765	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed Very interesting, I have a 79 C10 and my tail gate is like the green one. Reason I was asking is I thought it may have been replaced with a different tail gate. Cuz the handle relocater doesnt fit just right. __________________ 79 C10 Short Box ST8 6 bang'r Lowered w/ 3" Control arms, 2" Lower Coils and 4" shackles and hangers W/ FLIP KIT __--__* 79 C-10 project* .........................__ ..............._____ l __\___ ..............\|_(O)_ \|___(O) ] FAQ INDEX Thread The Kulture My Rat Den

09-08-2007, 06:31 PM	#3
jb4short Damn Yankee Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lynchburg, VA Posts: 2,261	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed My uderstanding is that it should look like the white one from '73 to mid-'76; after mid-'76 that welded on guide at the top is no longer there and the guide is welded to the latch assembly

09-08-2007, 09:33 PM	#5
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,759	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed I can't help beyond this shot on the truck. My old 82's tailgate. Attached Images __________________ 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!

09-09-2007, 12:07 AM	#6
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed I spoke with Chris (captkaos) tonight, here is what we came up with soo far.. 73-74 do not have the quick release option...and look like the bare steel one I posted above (off my 73). 75-76 look like the white one posted above, which has the same latch assembly as the 73-74...but also has that decorative reveal around the recesses portion on the outside AND the quick release design...making it different than the 73-74. The white one is definately not a 73-74 unit. 77-80 look like the green one. The only difference between the 75-76 and the 77-80 are the latch assemblies (see pics to view the differences). 81+ gates are all the same, and look like the one palf posted. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale Last edited by bigblock73; 09-09-2007 at 12:10 AM.

09-09-2007, 10:38 PM	#7
bigblock79 67 Chevy Stepside Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Jonesville NC Posts: 836	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed ill check my 76 1 ton out tormm. __________________ 1967 Chevy stepside 1976 BIG DOOLEY 454 turbo 400 4:11

09-10-2007, 04:27 AM	#8
moneyeater Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern Germany,near Bremen Posts: 684	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed Here are pics from my ´81 GMC!Quality is not too good,sorry for that!

09-11-2007, 10:31 AM	#10
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed There are 3 holes in the side of all the gates. The pieces should interchange. All of them are threaded. The 3rd hole is hiding behind the latch bracket on the later style __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

10-29-2007, 09:57 AM	#11
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed Dang Jeff I thought you had added this to your site. Your slackin... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

10-30-2007, 01:38 PM	#12
bigblock79 67 Chevy Stepside Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Jonesville NC Posts: 836	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed here is a pic of my 73 Attached Images __________________ 1967 Chevy stepside 1976 BIG DOOLEY 454 turbo 400 4:11

11-01-2007, 10:48 PM	#13
bigblock79 67 Chevy Stepside Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Jonesville NC Posts: 836	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed TTT my 73 is just light yours 73 __________________ 1967 Chevy stepside 1976 BIG DOOLEY 454 turbo 400 4:11

08-15-2013, 12:12 PM	#14
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed I know this is a waaay old thread, but what are the differences in the RH bed side hinge? I am trying to fit an '80 gate on a '83 bed, and it isn't happening. what is the year break for the quick release bed side RH hinge? The '83 hinge is too small for the '80 gate. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

08-15-2013, 12:44 PM	#15
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed I think the diameter changed with the gate design...81. Use 80 parts, and you should be fine. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

08-15-2013, 12:56 PM	#16
Keith Seymore Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Motor City Posts: 9,177	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed Jeff - Were you focused primarily on the trunions, linkages and latches? Don't forget that on '81 and above the lettering gets scootched to one side (Chevy compressed on the right; GMC on the left) rather than centered. K __________________ Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/

08-15-2013, 07:16 PM	#17
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed The straps were the same from 77-87 I believe...the trunions and hinges need to be matched, and had at least 3 different styles (non quick release, quick release, and the smaller 81 and up design) Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale



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08-15-2013, 08:08 PM	#18
Skunksmash Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: TX Posts: 1,014	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed Any way we can get some of these comparisons on the 80's gates?

08-15-2013, 08:35 PM	#19
MusicMan70 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Corona, CA Posts: 1,831	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed 1973 Attached Images __________________ MusicMan70 1961 GMC Suburban

08-15-2013, 08:59 PM	#20
Brockwaykid Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Granville NY Posts: 241	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed Is there any way to change the hinges to cables? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Jeff Shaw 2003 Chevy 2500HD LB7 Duramax

08-15-2013, 09:53 PM	#21
Skunksmash Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: TX Posts: 1,014	Re: Lets talk tailgates...your help needed Are cables really better? All the old ones I've seen become... pretty wore out. The hinges don't really wear out.

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