BigRed 81 crewcab dually

[Jonboy]

Originally Posted by JohnC

However Michael isn't your truck actually a 74? If so you may get lucky and have the tailgate you are wanting.

That's what I was thinking. Besides, it's only 4 screws to pull off to check.

[BGRAFX]

Yes my original title says my truck is a 74 gmc but previous owners changed front clip and tailgate back in 81. So here is what I found under those 4star screws

[joe231]

I believe they swapped the whole bed, '74 didn't have fuel filler doors, IIRC.

[BGRAFX]

Thank you Joe for pointing me in the right direction.
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/sm...?topic=15684.0
Captkaos:
Not sure what year tailgate you have, well here is how to tell. *There are actually 4 versions of tailgates for the 73-87(91) pickup trucks. *This is how you tell the difference:

1) 73-74 - This version has a top guide welded on, the bottom of the tailgate is round, has a separate hinge mount bolt, the bottom trunion has no slot, so to remove it you must unbolt it from the truck. and the latch attaches with 2 bolts. *CHEVROLET Script centered on the tailgate. *It looks like this:


2) 75-76 - This version has the same setup as the 1973-74, BUT it has a relief slot in the trunion allowing you to remove the tailgate without any tools.


3) 77-80 - This version has the same setup on the bottom as the 75-76 allowing the removal, but the latch portion is now all one piece and bolts in the same spot as the hinge slot on the 73-76 and the upper latch bolt. *It doesn't have the hole where the lower latch bolt used to be. *The welded guide was dropped and integrated into the latch. *So now the latch has the hinge mount bolt and guide built in.



4) 81-91 - This version has the same upper setup as the 77-80, but new for this year the bottom of the tailgate is no longer rounded, it is flat, and CHEVROLET Script offset to the right on the tailgate, AND the latch assembly is no longer welded to the bottom of the tailgate, it is bolted.

So I have an 81 bed and tailgate since previous owners have changed a lot on my truck. Almost makes me mad that I didn't get an original truck but at the same time I want to change it so its customized to my liking.

I still want a SBCC!!!

[GmtGmt]

Originally Posted by BGRAFX

I still want a SBCC!!!

i hope you dont cut up your nice truck

my 84 crew cab also have that tail gate

have you checked if the truck have been in an acident eighter the PO changed over bed and front clip because for a updated look or because it was wreaked?

[csa daddy]

why would anyone want to have lights on the tailgate. i have a 87 but im useing the older style gate like the one in ?. not sure on the year but i dont plan on putting any lights on it an yes i know its factory like that but can anybody explain why they need to be there is there a legal reason. i dont know how bad rust is in kansas but if i could find one here in rusty ol va you shouldnt have to much trouble. plus i scored my tailgate for 25 dollars an then bought the rest of the short bed got one good bedside antwo perfect inner fenders an floor.i will see if i can find some pics of the gate i got

[BGRAFX]

The chassis looks straight and it drives straight so I really don't know why the PO changed from 74 to 81. I don't plan on cutting it up....anytime soon lol

I'm the type of guy who likes change. I don't have tattoos becuz I know an hour after I got one I would want to change it. Look at my truck I've had it for a couple of months and already painted it. I found an 89-91 burb clip on CL for dirt cheap and bought it just in case I ever want to change my front end again. The nice thing is I can always reverse it back to 1974 too.

Yes kansas city has plenty of rust, pics coming soon of rusty kc trucks lol.

I don't think there is any legal reasoning for the tailgate lights but you can see in my pic the top of the tailgate has a big crease dent in it and I'm seriously thinking about cutting up a few tailgates and making one killer looking classic gate. Maybe a 50,60 or 70 with big chevy lettering.

[csa daddy]

that sounds pretty cool

[BGRAFX]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=324997&page=1

[csa daddy]

looks almost like te orginal style

[joe231]

I believe the NHTSA required those lights due to the width of the truck and the GVWR, same for the cab lights and the fender clearance lights....
Michael...Cut that biotch up!!
bring it down, Scott and I will hack it and re-weld it for you

[scotts62]

Yep

[Scootin 81 C20]

Joe, I understand why they are on duallys, but why are they on 1 ton SRW trucks?

[joe231]

I know the SRW were also one tons for some time. I believe it is due to the GVWR.
I didn't say it makes sense (). I have read something at some point () that showed all the required lighting by weight ratings.

[BGRAFX]

Everybody loves DoubleD's

[BGRAFX]

See ya!!!!!!

[scotts62]

What do you do violate every truck without an owner around and then post up the evidence?

[joe231]

Scott, you got him figured out!

[JohnC]

Originally Posted by scotts62

What do you do violate every truck without an owner around and then post up the evidence?

I was thinking the same thing!

[BGRAFX]

I'm going to start leaving a note on every square body truck I see so they can join our crazy forum of friends!

[Dieselwrencher]

[scotts62]

Originally Posted by BGRAFX

I'm going to start leaving a note on every square body truck I see so they can join our crazy forum of friends!

A pink sticky? Careful they may hand you a restraining order

[RandyP]

I'd be careful. You know how many weirdos there are out there with guns, and are paranoid? I can upload a picture of myself so you have a reference if needed.

[BGRAFX]

You okies are multiplying!!!!!!! I'm not worried about anyone pulling out a gun remember all square body trucks are friends. lol

[gloriavoxdei]

The lights on the tailgate as well as on the roof and dually fenders are required by DOT on any vehicle over 82" wide. This stims from the 1930's when roads were narrow, the thought was that the extra lights would warn oncoming traffic that there was a wide load comming and to allow room for it to pass. Some SRW trucks have lights too but are not required to, you will notice that ALL duallys come from the factory with them. Hope this clarifies it for ya'll.