Tailgate question. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

GobbleStalker · 09-22-2010, 07:54 AM

Are aftermarket tailgates the same size and fit as the OEM gates. I have been told that they are about 3/16 shorter in width. Anyone ever measure them.

Kev.

**1970cstblazer** · 09-22-2010, 11:46 AM

That is not the biggest issue with them. They are made out of paper thin sheetmetal. It is so bad that even closing them will leave a palm dent in the outer skin. Don't even try to place any type of load on them either, or they will bend.

matthew79 · 09-22-2010, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970cstblazer

That is not the biggest issue with them. They are made out of paper thin sheetmetal. It is so bad that even closing them will leave a palm dent in the outer skin. Don't even try to place any type of load on them either, or they will bend.

When was your last experience with one of these flimsy tailgates? I ask because I was told that yes they indeed were paper thin years ago, but they have been much improved and are just about equal to an oem tailgate now.

**1970cstblazer** · 09-22-2010, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthew79

when was your last experience with one of these flimsy tailgates? I ask because i was told that yes they indeed were paper thin years ago, but they have been much improved and are just about equal to an oem tailgate now.

2000

mrh33916 · 09-22-2010, 09:33 PM

I got a Goodmark in 06, It sucked, half the weight of a original,

Mt Man Chad · 09-22-2010, 09:38 PM

My experience.....
POS for fit and real truck use.

howard_m18 · 09-22-2010, 10:32 PM

We put a LMC on my 67 & my builder didn't like the way it ended up installed. We moved the handle inside, so that gave him a chance to go with the inner guts & it is now off set on the right hand side when you close it from the left side? Howard

**70cst** · 09-22-2010, 10:36 PM

From previous posts...if one can find a nice used gate that is the way to go.

ctrow · 09-22-2010, 10:37 PM

I tried 3 of them and all were a terrible fit. They were all too thick and stuck out from the bed.

Ended up taking the side panels from the original to 'narrow' the tailgate thickness and then also welded a support brace along the backside of the inner panel. That way it should be stronger if someone were to step on it or what not to keep it from bowing.

Hope this helps if you decide to go with the aftermarket route. I'd look for an NOS if you can find one and afford it...

67chevy1series · 09-22-2010, 10:41 PM

your best bet is to find a tail gate for cheap see wahts wrong with it cut the problem out find a couple of more gates and cut those same parts out if they are good and weld them in to the other gate and you will have a very nice original from 2 trucks tailgate

thats what im going to do only i know what year the tail gates cae off of

ray_mcavoy · 09-22-2010, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67chevy1series

your best bet is to find a tail gate for cheap see wahts wrong with it cut the problem out find a couple of more gates and cut those same parts out if they are good and weld them in to the other gate and you will have a very nice original from 2 trucks tailgate

That's what I did for my 72. A friend gave me a tailgate that had been outside, leaning against the wall of his garage for years. It was really nice except for the passenger side end that had been on the ground was heavily rusted for about 3 or 4". So I just cut that end off and welded on a section cut from another tailgate that had damage in the center.

tonypaul · 09-23-2010, 12:06 AM

I heard that the plain tailgates are super thin, are the stamped repoped tailgates thin to?

67chevy1series · 09-23-2010, 12:09 AM

mostlikely becauce america is better, cheaper faster now and add that plus your question and you got the anwser there all cr*&

rusty baker · 09-23-2010, 08:26 AM

I bought a really good, no damage or rust, original tailgate for $50. So they are out there.

Mt Man Chad · 09-23-2010, 08:51 AM

If you need a original I have a few, shipping might be the killer.

09-22-2010, 07:54 AM	#1
GobbleStalker GobbleStalker Calls Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Port Hope, Ontario Posts: 653	Tailgate question. Are aftermarket tailgates the same size and fit as the OEM gates. I have been told that they are about 3/16 shorter in width. Anyone ever measure them. Kev. __________________ 72 Chev Longbox Highlander edition. Med Olive/White/ Med Olive 350 4bbl with 350Turbo trans. Truck currently under construction. Project Cappaccino. Stay Tuned! 1967 Chevy C10, 327, 4.11 posi 3 spd. The Driver Truck! SOLD! 09 GMC Sierra SLT All Terrain pkg. 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara unlimited. ( The wifes ride )

09-22-2010, 11:46 AM	#2
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 2,084	Re: Tailgate question. That is not the biggest issue with them. They are made out of paper thin sheetmetal. It is so bad that even closing them will leave a palm dent in the outer skin. Don't even try to place any type of load on them either, or they will bend. __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, TOTM winner December 2024! Medium Bronze poly, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, rear positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" HD Kelsey Hayes wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration finally getting close to completion.. 1970 K20, To be a clone of my Grandfather's K20, Dark Blue poly, 350, 4 speed, 16.5" X 8.25" Kelsey Hayes wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM radio. Latest project truck 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, Dark Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 46k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 67k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels

09-22-2010, 09:33 PM	#5
mrh33916 Project '67 454 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Columbia SC Posts: 283	Re: Tailgate question. I got a Goodmark in 06, It sucked, half the weight of a original, __________________ 67 C-10 SWB Fleetside 454 (current project) 99 Crewcab SWB Dually 454 75 Datsun 280ZZ430 94 Formula 232LS 454

09-22-2010, 09:38 PM	#6
Mt Man Chad Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Oakridge Oregon Posts: 1,864	Re: Tailgate question. My experience..... POS for fit and real truck use. __________________ 68 CST SWB - Gold/White 50th anniversary /TH350/Buddy Buckets/3.73 Posi/dogdish caps. 68 K10 Burb - Gold/White 327/SM465/NP205/3.73 "Daa Burb" build thread

09-22-2010, 10:32 PM	#7
howard_m18 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: clarkston,MI Posts: 217	Re: Tailgate question. We put a LMC on my 67 & my builder didn't like the way it ended up installed. We moved the handle inside, so that gave him a chance to go with the inner guts & it is now off set on the right hand side when you close it from the left side? Howard __________________ 1967 C10 LWB, painted 2010 MUSTANG GRABBER BLUE & finally got it on the road after sitting in garage for 10+ yrs. Howard in MI.

09-22-2010, 10:36 PM	#8
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,377	Re: Tailgate question. From previous posts...if one can find a nice used gate that is the way to go. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

09-22-2010, 10:37 PM	#9
ctrow New Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: OKC Posts: 204	Re: Tailgate question. I tried 3 of them and all were a terrible fit. They were all too thick and stuck out from the bed. Ended up taking the side panels from the original to 'narrow' the tailgate thickness and then also welded a support brace along the backside of the inner panel. That way it should be stronger if someone were to step on it or what not to keep it from bowing. Hope this helps if you decide to go with the aftermarket route. I'd look for an NOS if you can find one and afford it... __________________ My Build Thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=366351

09-22-2010, 10:41 PM	#10
67chevy1series Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: a t w a t e r cali 95301 Posts: 10,713	Re: Tailgate question. your best bet is to find a tail gate for cheap see wahts wrong with it cut the problem out find a couple of more gates and cut those same parts out if they are good and weld them in to the other gate and you will have a very nice original from 2 trucks tailgate thats what im going to do only i know what year the tail gates cae off of

09-23-2010, 12:06 AM	#12
tonypaul Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Austin Tx Posts: 639	Re: Tailgate question. I heard that the plain tailgates are super thin, are the stamped repoped tailgates thin to?

09-23-2010, 12:09 AM	#13
67chevy1series Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: a t w a t e r cali 95301 Posts: 10,713	Re: Tailgate question. mostlikely becauce america is better, cheaper faster now and add that plus your question and you got the anwser there all cr*&

09-23-2010, 08:26 AM	#14
rusty baker '70 C-10 Primer Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: nevada,missouri Posts: 117	Re: Tailgate question. I bought a really good, no damage or rust, original tailgate for $50. So they are out there. __________________ "The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." Albert Einstein

09-23-2010, 08:51 AM	#15
Mt Man Chad Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Oakridge Oregon Posts: 1,864	Re: Tailgate question. If you need a original I have a few, shipping might be the killer. __________________ 68 CST SWB - Gold/White 50th anniversary /TH350/Buddy Buckets/3.73 Posi/dogdish caps. 68 K10 Burb - Gold/White 327/SM465/NP205/3.73 "Daa Burb" build thread



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