Interchange tailgate

[creole]

I inherited a 1977 single cab c-30 camper special dually that has no tailgate. What other years of tailgate will fit this 1977 with little to no modification?

[bbbc10]

ummmmmmmm anything from 73-87 simple to figure out

[duallydude63]

actually if its a crewcab u can go up to 91 they have the same tailgate

[Dead Parrot]

Just be sure to get ALL the mounting hardware with the tailgate. While the bolt holes on the bed sides stayed the same, there are differences in the tailgate hardware between the model years that can make a mixed year setup not work.

[100%Chevy]

Originally Posted by Dead Parrot

Just be sure to get ALL the mounting hardware with the tailgate. While the bolt holes on the bed sides stayed the same, there are differences in the tailgate hardware between the model years that can make a mixed year setup not work.

That's right.A 73/80 tailgate will work the best,but the newer ones will work with some minor changes to the hardware and bump stops.
I have an 82 on my 77.Fits fine after some adjusting.
Mike.

[RedBed]

Slightly off-topic, but if you want a cheap and simple way to deter tailgate theft, this may help. I used a metal panel clip and a screw to make it so you can't just slip the tailgate off.

[creole]

Thanks

[El Dorado Jim]

Originally Posted by RedBed

Slightly off-topic, but if you want a cheap and simple way to deter tailgate theft, this may help. I used a metal panel clip and a screw to make it so you can't just slip the tailgate off.

good idea! thanks

[El Dorado Jim]

73-74 tailgates are different and I'm pretty sure will not work on your truck

[WyattTX]

All tailgates from 73-87 will work, but there are different syles. 73-74, has name stamped in center, 75-80 is similar but a little different, 81-87, or 81-91 if you count crew cabs, are more squared off in the center stamping, and have the name in the bottom right.

[cajundragger]

Do you have pictures of the 73-74?

I thought it was just two styles? One with Chevrolet centered and one with it off to the right. And the hardware switched from stud to bolt or something.

[WyattTX]

Originally Posted by cajundragger

Do you have pictures of the 73-74?

I thought it was just two styles? One with Chevrolet centered and one with it off to the right. And the hardware switched from stud to bolt or something.

You may be right, but I know for a fact 81-87 is much different.

[Walts_restoration]

73-74 use the same hardware as 75-76 but are strictly bolt on.

75-76 was the first of the quick release tailgates where you didn't have to unbolt the trunions to remove the tailgate.

76 2nd design to 80 were the same visually but the latch and link assemblies changed.

1981 introduced the trunion/hinge that bolted to the tailgate, and the lower skin of the tailgate was different than the older gates.

Within all of these there were different emblems as well. You can put a 77-91 tailgate (with appropriate hardware) and any early truck, but the 77 and newer trucks do not have the hole in the bedside for the catch built into the 73-76 bedsides.

[100%Chevy]

Here's my NOS,81 up tailgate.
These had a flange on the bottom.Previous years were rolled on the bottom.

Mike.

[gmachinz]

Originally Posted by El Dorado Jim

good idea! thanks

What if the thief has a Phillips screwdriver? lol j/k maybe use a tamper proof torx headed machine screw instead.

[RedBed]

Originally Posted by gmachinz

What if the thief has a Phillips screwdriver? lol j/k maybe use a tamper proof torx headed machine screw instead.

Yep - thought of that, but haven't changed it yet - gotta remember to get a couple of tiny Torx screws!

[Mr.Mike]

Can anyone tell me how to remove the tailgate from a 1981 Chevy pickup C20 stepside? Is there a trick?

[Sabaka454]

Open, unhook latches, lift right corner out.

[Mr.Mike]

1981 introduced the trunion/hinge that bolted to the tailgate, and the lower skin of the tailgate was different than the older gates.

Does this change still work the same way to take it out?

[gmachinz]

Yes they still lift off the same.

[gmachinz]

My extra NOS 85-87 Chevrolet tailgate is also the same way.

[Warrens69GMC]

Originally Posted by El Dorado Jim

73-74 tailgates are different and I'm pretty sure will not work on your truck

It will work. I have a 1973 on my 1978 and I had to grind off the "nose" off the top of the tailgate

[Dead Parrot]

Here is a 81+ tailgate working fine on my 75. $30 find at the local Pull-A-Part.

The lower trunion hardware was off the 81 even though is is painted tan.

[WyattTX]

Originally Posted by Dead Parrot

Here is a 81+ tailgate working fine on my 75. $30 find at the local Pull-A-Part.

The lower trunion hardware was off the 81 even though is is painted tan.

$30 for a clean tailgate! In my part of the world they would want 10 times or more that amount. Good job shopping!

[Keith Seymore]

For a stepside you have to unbolt the trunion from the bedside.

K