Hello all,

Attempted something tonight that I thought would be extremely simple but I am driving myself crazy trying to figure this out.

I ordered 2 new tail lights and tail light mounts for the 51 F1 and a new license plate bracket.

I also ordered new tailgate pivot mounts for the lower portion of the tailgate.

I am not sure if the previous owner messed something up but is the top hole of the tailgate pivot supposed to share the bottom hole of the tail light bracket?

The problem I am running in to is that the license plate frame bolts to the back of the tail light but it hits the bottom of the bed right in the corner. I am afraid that if I redrill the holes any lower the plate will be completely behind the bumper.

If anyone is running a stock setup that is willing to share a picture of the back of their truck nice and close up that would be a lifesaver!!!

 

The two holes in the tail light brackets are supposed to fit directly behind the two holes for the tailgate lower hinge brackets (behind the stake pocket). Use two long bolts to go through the tailgate lower hinge, stake pocket and license plate bracket, with nuts on the end of the bolts. If you have the rear bumper installed, the license plate will be partially covered up by the bumper.

 

There are two different license plate brackets. It the plate is hitting the bed, you probably have the wrong type.

B-13406 .. License Plate Bracket-Use with round tail lamp / Marked: Duo-Lamp / Reproduced / 1932/54.

B5C-13406-A .. License Plate Bracket-Use with shield type tail lamp / Marked: TL-55 / Reproduced / 1955/56 / 1957/66 Flaresides.

 

I wrestled with that same issue and came up with this solution...