I found a better tailgate at the salvage yard that has all the trim on it with only a small dent and was in much better shape than the one the PO had installed. It cost me $100 bucks. (I also got a newer bench seat and a right front fender that is crease free).

I guess my salvaged tailgate had been sitting a while because the handle was stuck (in the open position) and I needed to remove it, clean and free up the mechanism. I think the guy that took it off had some trouble removing it from the bed, which looked pretty straight other than having a rusted floor and being attached to a frame that was cut. It was a '79 Supercab, camper special. (Blue) May she RIP.

I noticed that one of the rods was loose from the swivel hinge and that it uses some kind of plastic retainers to keep it in place. I found some in LMC's catalog but it says its only for a BRONCO. I'm almost certain they are the same and it just an omission from their catalog but can anyone verify if they are the same or if not, who has the correct fasteners? This would be items 8 & 12 in their online catalog, page 22 ('73-79 Ford Trucks).
Truck Parts and Truck Accessories

Second problem I am having is alignment. My tailgate just does not want to latch on the passenger side and there does not appear to be any kind of adjustment on the latch except for adding some shims. Can anyone advise if that is a common issue or if there is a trick to getting it on? I took the lower pivots on and off, swapped their orientation, tried putting spacers between tailgate and bed while raising up the bottom but after fooling around with it for an hour plus, it got dark and I got tired. Maybe there is a technique my forum buddies can share? The gate does not look bent or damaged at all and my bed seems to be square but it is also missing some hold down bolts so perhaps it was tweaked slightly?

Thanks for any tips / advise


John

 

There are some black rubber wedges that screw to each side of the bed at the tailgate opening. These center the tailgate in its latches. Most of the time they are damaged or missing. Check the condition of these.

 

Go to the next page, page 23, check item #11

 

The little plastic connectors you can buy at oreilly or NAPA. just get the variety pack and use the best fitting ones. You can even put a very small tack of gasket sealer or JB weld on them to hold better. $2 fix... as far as the alignment, can you give a pic so I can see what you mean?

 

Usually in the "Help" section. I usually get two packs of the assortment just in case.