Tailgate weld up - got question????

[Louisianaboys69]

Wanting to weld up my 69' c-10 tailgate. i have seen a few threads on this just still not clear on how to go about it. Tips and trick welcome- bring'em!!

[colin_havens]

I would highly reccomend getting a skin, such as a california combo from Grant customs before you try and weld up the factory gate. It looks like the pic below, and can be ordered HERE



While it can be done with the origional tailgate, the gaps are much larger than you would want, as well as I have seen lots of shaved beds that crack out when done this way. When you install the cali combo, you remove the tailgate and brace the bed with square tubing, so the bedsides do not move and crack the welds. Then you skin the bracing with the cali combo, which is a little oversized so you can trim it down so the gaps are perfect for welding up. It should take very little body filler if done carefully. Here is a pic of an S-10 that was braced for a cali combo skin, so as to keep the bedsides from moving. All he will have to do is weld the skin in next, and he is done. Hope this helps.

[BIGBLU 72]

what kinda weld up are you talking about? like to where it will never open again? or weld up holes?

[longhorn70gmc]

The local Derby guys use rectangle flat steel about 6 inches long on top and bottom, 4 pieces and make the gates perminent.