Smooth or Lettered Tailgate - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**tdangle** · 02-19-2018, 01:55 PM

I am going to replace my 70 fleetside tailgate and can't decide between the 2 types. I was first thinking about the smooth with the band across the back, but not sure this would really look correct with the 70's painted silver step bumper which I am going to keep. If I go with the lettered, I'm not going to paint the letters. The truck will be a dark blue color and I really don't care for how the letters seem to stand out when painted white

I know repo parts are not as nice as factory, but the latest reports I have read are that they are getting much better. (I recently bought a right fender and it actually fit really well)

beadblaster · 02-19-2018, 02:40 PM

I bought a lettered tailgate through summit racing and it fit perfectly and was as good as the factory tailgate. Most people say the tailgates without letters is of a lower quality.

**Ironhorse** · 02-19-2018, 03:34 PM

I have a smooth fleetside tailgate I bought from GMC Paul at least 10 years ago, maybe more. Has held up VERY well with me standing on it, sitting on it, etc. Body man was surprised it fit as well being a re-production piece. Not sure where GMC Paul was getting the tail gates from at that time but I'm very happy and liking the smooth look with no lettering. I KNOW my truck is a Chevrolet, doesn't concern me at all if others can't tell from looking. Just my $0.02 worth.

**jocko** · 02-19-2018, 05:19 PM

What trim level is the truck? Do you have lower body side moldings and, if so, woodgrain or black?

If you don’t want to paint the letters, I’d definitely go with the band if you have lower side moldings - and match the band with whatever the moldings are, ie black or woodgrain. Keep in mind that a black tailgate band was not a factory option, they are just making them now along with the woodgrain ones if someone wants a black one instead of woodgrain.

Unpainted letters look unfinished to me personally - but you see a lot of them out there like that. Just personal preference. If NO lower body side moldings - that would be the only scenario where i would go the no band, no letter paint route. But I’d still paint the letters

02-19-2018, 01:55 PM	#1
tdangle Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jurupa Valley, Ca Posts: 1,209	Smooth or Lettered Tailgate I am going to replace my 70 fleetside tailgate and can't decide between the 2 types. I was first thinking about the smooth with the band across the back, but not sure this would really look correct with the 70's painted silver step bumper which I am going to keep. If I go with the lettered, I'm not going to paint the letters. The truck will be a dark blue color and I really don't care for how the letters seem to stand out when painted white I know repo parts are not as nice as factory, but the latest reports I have read are that they are getting much better. (I recently bought a right fender and it actually fit really well) __________________ Terry 1970 Custom Camper/C20 , GM Crate 350/7004R, Dana 60, factory AC

02-19-2018, 02:40 PM	#2
beadblaster Registered User Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Grand forks,bc Posts: 141	Re: Smooth or Lettered Tailgate I bought a lettered tailgate through summit racing and it fit perfectly and was as good as the factory tailgate. Most people say the tailgates without letters is of a lower quality.

02-19-2018, 03:34 PM	#3
Ironhorse Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Wellington, Ks Posts: 10,009	Re: Smooth or Lettered Tailgate I have a smooth fleetside tailgate I bought from GMC Paul at least 10 years ago, maybe more. Has held up VERY well with me standing on it, sitting on it, etc. Body man was surprised it fit as well being a re-production piece. Not sure where GMC Paul was getting the tail gates from at that time but I'm very happy and liking the smooth look with no lettering. I KNOW my truck is a Chevrolet, doesn't concern me at all if others can't tell from looking. Just my $0.02 worth. __________________ 1971 Chevy 1/2T 4x4 LWB 350 V-8 Was sm465-now 350TH/np205 Tilt, Tach, Towhooks Original Truck AM/FM Wellington, Ks

02-19-2018, 05:19 PM	#4
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,933	Re: Smooth or Lettered Tailgate What trim level is the truck? Do you have lower body side moldings and, if so, woodgrain or black? If you don’t want to paint the letters, I’d definitely go with the band if you have lower side moldings - and match the band with whatever the moldings are, ie black or woodgrain. Keep in mind that a black tailgate band was not a factory option, they are just making them now along with the woodgrain ones if someone wants a black one instead of woodgrain. Unpainted letters look unfinished to me personally - but you see a lot of them out there like that. Just personal preference. If NO lower body side moldings - that would be the only scenario where i would go the no band, no letter paint route. But I’d still paint the letters



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