I've made it all the way to the tailgate on my 51 F1 restore. And no, I didn't start at the tailgate! After stripping to bare metal and getting it de-dented and straightened, I noticed a set of 4 holes vertically; 1 set on each end, and a set between each raised panel. They are too evenly spaced to be farmer-engineered, which I am now quite adept at discovering and remedying. The holes are so clean they look factory punched and not drilled.

Ideas on what they could be for? Wood rails on the inside of the tailgate maybe?

There are also two holes in eachjoutside panel, identically symmetrical and spaced.

Appreciate any ideas before I simply weld them up. Thanks

Mark

 

the two holes spaced horizontally in the outer two panels were for reflectors. My truck has them also. I have no idea what the line of vertical holes would be for.

Lots of old trucks had the two reflectors added to the tailgates, not only Fords but most makes.

Bobby

 

When I had a '53 back in IL in the '70's, I had to add the reflectors per state law. My '52 is a CO truck and has them too.

 

For mounting the steer horns? Or did they only go on the hood?

 

Reflectors and license plates were the two most common things I've seen screwed to the tailgates of these old trucks. Tie down hooks are fairly common, too. Obviously the holes serve no purpose anymore, so weld away.