Tailgate Scratches - '55 Stepside

[DransportGarage]

Didn't see any dumb questions today, so I thought I'd throw one in:

As I bought it, my tailgate pivots on a couple of big bolts. The edges of the 'gate hit the bedsides when I open and close it. Once painted, how do you folks keep the 'gate from wiping out the paint? (My assembly manual and shop manual are on order...)

Thanks in Advance,

[britnjc]

I have been wondering the same thing.

[mylow53]

try not using your truck. thats how the show guys do it. i prefer a scratch or 2 to prove it's being used. other than that you might try some clear sticker vinyl. when they put the shell on my 91 chevy the used a clear sticker to cover the paint where the new shell and cab met. seemed to do the trick. other than that you might create more clearance with some shims
GT

[cajundragger]

when I made my tailgate I made it with a gap.

I do get rub marks on the bottom of the tailgate and the bed though.

[DransportGarage]

Originally Posted by mylow53

try not using your truck. thats how the show guys do it. i prefer a scratch or 2...
GT

I wondered if I was going to get a little flack. (Didn't see any smiley faces!) Guess I'm off to a bad start, with this being only my only my 6th post.

Seriously, the plastic and shims are good ideas. Thanks, MYLOW! Sounds like there aren't any missing rubber parts like they use on the hood.

Right now, I get the big "GRONK" when I close the gate, and the primer has been replaced by a big rusty stripe. Hoping it will behave a little better when I get the real trunions in there.