Panel below the tailgate - how to install right? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

msg · 07-17-2019, 06:44 PM

Years ago I dismantled the 66 and during the bed removal I was unbolting panels and found that that panel that sits below the tailgate is welded on in 2 spots on each side..or at least mine was.

I have been sandblasting and repainting and will hopefully someday be reassembling. Before that day though I wondered if I need to weld it back together in those spots before I paint? The panel is on its own now sandblasted and has epoxy primer, needing 2k next. Whats the right way to go about this?

Here is a pic from 2015 when I tore it down

msg · 07-17-2019, 06:47 PM

the upper and lower portions were welded on from what I remember

the upper was welded where I am pointing, and the lower area has a spot on the edge as well that was welded

msg · 07-17-2019, 06:50 PM

Lower spot I'm talking about

**jayoldschool** · 07-17-2019, 06:57 PM

You can just bolt it in. The weld is to make it easier to assemble at the factory.

**Clyde65** · 07-17-2019, 08:47 PM

What Jay said!

msg · 07-17-2019, 09:02 PM

Whew, thanks guys!!!!

**damnyankee36** · 07-18-2019, 05:49 PM

Yeah, the four bolts in each corner have way more strength at keeping things square than a single weld. Definately not needed.

FWIW, I understand GMC's were apparently not welded.

07-17-2019, 06:44 PM	#1
msg Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: GA Posts: 1,325	Panel below the tailgate - how to install right? Years ago I dismantled the 66 and during the bed removal I was unbolting panels and found that that panel that sits below the tailgate is welded on in 2 spots on each side..or at least mine was. I have been sandblasting and repainting and will hopefully someday be reassembling. Before that day though I wondered if I need to weld it back together in those spots before I paint? The panel is on its own now sandblasted and has epoxy primer, needing 2k next. Whats the right way to go about this? Here is a pic from 2015 when I tore it down Attached Images __________________ Progress thread for my 66 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=623848

07-17-2019, 06:47 PM	#2
msg Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: GA Posts: 1,325	Re: Panel below the tailgate - how to install right? the upper and lower portions were welded on from what I remember the upper was welded where I am pointing, and the lower area has a spot on the edge as well that was welded Attached Images __________________ Progress thread for my 66 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=623848

07-17-2019, 06:50 PM	#3
msg Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: GA Posts: 1,325	Re: Panel below the tailgate - how to install right? Lower spot I'm talking about Attached Images __________________ Progress thread for my 66 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=623848

07-17-2019, 06:57 PM	#4
jayoldschool Moderator Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: ON, Canada Posts: 2,176	Re: Panel below the tailgate - how to install right? You can just bolt it in. The weld is to make it easier to assemble at the factory.

07-17-2019, 08:47 PM	#5
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: Panel below the tailgate - how to install right? What Jay said! __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

07-17-2019, 09:02 PM	#6
msg Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: GA Posts: 1,325	Re: Panel below the tailgate - how to install right? Whew, thanks guys!!!! __________________ Progress thread for my 66 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=623848

07-18-2019, 05:49 PM	#7
damnyankee36 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Alamogordo, NM Posts: 724	Re: Panel below the tailgate - how to install right? Yeah, the four bolts in each corner have way more strength at keeping things square than a single weld. Definately not needed. FWIW, I understand GMC's were apparently not welded.



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