Install '73 tailgate to an '87 bed?

[TheGreenCoyote]

Has anyone used an original '73 tailgate on a newer bed ('87 I think)? I really like the look of the original one that has C H E V R O L E T sprawled across it.

[ghettoluxury]

you have to change the hinges but it fits like a glove

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by ghettoluxury

you have to change the hinges but it fits like a glove

All the hardware has to change...straps and hinges.

Tailgates are simple...any 73-87 gate can bolt onto any 73-87...as long as the matching trunions and straps are used.

[TheGreenCoyote]

Thanks! That's great news guys. I think I have all the hardware to both tailgates so it sounds like I'm in good shape. I will post some photos soon.

[TheGreenCoyote]

Okay so is there a trick to actually getting the tailgate in place? I see that it should ultimately fit like a glove but even starting with fitting the left side of the gate in first I cannot seem to get the right side to fit.

[bigblock73]

73 gates are not quick release...you need install the second trunion at the same time as the tailgate. It is ticky, and you need two people to do it. If you bolt both trunions to the bed, you will never get the gate on.

[TheGreenCoyote]

Thanks! Looks like I need to use new '73 trunions and bolt those to the '87 bed (the right one as I install gate)?
Do I use the original '73 hinges with the '73 bed or I need '87 hinges and attach those to the bed?

[ghettoluxury]

use all 87 or all 73 parts don't mix and match

[TheGreenCoyote]

Thanks ghettoluxury and bigblock73 for the help. I changed all the straps and "trunions" which are the hinge parts that bolt to the bed itself for the tailgate female pieces to fit over. Everything fits great. It took a little work but it is going to fit like a glove.***Except for one little problem! The top tabs on each side of the '73 tailgate needs a space to fit into the newer bed. Please see photo.

Anyone have any ideas for a novice to create the opening on the back of the bed itself?

[ghettoluxury]

Why not cut the tab off?

[TheGreenCoyote]

My thought is that the tabs add stability to the tailgate if there is back and forth movement in the bed while driving? They were put there for some reason right?

[bigblock73]

You don't need the tabs, the later beds didn't have them. I would remove them if I were you.

[TheGreenCoyote]

I guess you're right. It sure would be easier to cut those tabs off than cut a hole on the bed.

[N2TRUX]

If you do want to cut a slot, just mark where it needs to be then drill a hole top and bottom of the slot. Use a cut off wheel, or air saw to make the long cuts...

[TheGreenCoyote]

N2TRUX, thanks for the tip.
Just curious, do you know of any reason I should keep the tabs on the '73 tailgate?