Tailgate Removal Question

[trukman1]

On my '77 from years back I remember unhooking the tailgate "link" arms and tilting it to a certain place and it would lift off.

When I went to remove the tailgate on my '67 it didn't work that way.
I want to modify the tailgate to be like the '77 so it can be taken off easier. Anyone know if the trunnions from a '72-87 will bolt onto the earlier truck? (I know I'll need to modify the tailgate as well.)

If not can someone post picks showing the details of the trunnion and the tailgate so I can modify my existing trunnion and tailgate? As I recall only one end had a somewhat oval (?) trunnion and a cutout on the tailgate.

Thanks for your help as always. You guys are the best!!!

BTW: I passed my truck on to my son so it's getting a new life with the next generation and I want to come up with some cool mods so the ole' man can at least appear to be useful (I'm too old too be cool...) Thanks again!

[kcsa75]

Here you go.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=631985

[trukman1]

Thanks kcsa75, I was thinking of doing the modification like 72 CustomCamper did but just thought the trunnions from the later years might be a bolt in swap and save some work.

The comment by sstaten69 about having a tailgate stolen has started me to rethink it though.

Thanks.

[dmjlambert]

Yes, when I got my truck I checked to make sure the tailgate was NOT the type to just come off effortlessly. Then I relaxed a bit when I saw the dent and rust through because that makes me think it is less attractive to a thief. Then again, I think there are people who steal just for the fun of it.