So unless I missed something obvious, in order to remove the tailgate on my 75, you have to unbolt one of the mount/hinge thingy. Is there a bolt in swap from a later model that has the notched mount where the gate can be lifted out when positioned at 45° or so? I looked at some pictures and the later Fords seem to be similar but not the exact shape.

Also, what, if anything, have all ya'll replaced those paper washers/spacers with? As bad of shape as they were in they didnt seem to serve much a purpose. Next time the gate comes off I might have to get a couple stainless washers from hardware store.

 

Yep, that's the only way to remove it. I put a roll pan on mine and knew I wasn't going to be able to get at the bottom bolts, so modified mine to lift off. I had to cut a slot in the tailgate to make it work though. Couldn't find any kind of kit, so I sliced and diced the existing pivot piece on one side. Works ok but I have an extra piece in the hinge part of the gate that falls out when I lift it off. There might be a better way but I couldn't find it.

 

I think the 80 - 96 trucks had a cup that went into the gate which it rotated on. A notch would have to be cut for sure but otherwise doing something like the newer trucks have would seem convenient.

Unless there is an easy fix, I doubt I will be removing this much.

 

I realized this when I went to swap in a new tailgate that was not so beat up. Honestly, I like the fact they are kind of a pain to remove. Makes it a bit harder for the thieves to steal, which on quick release takes about 15 seconds.

I had a hard time getting my replacement to line up and close properly and gave up after fooling with it for an hour. It's going to come off again when I begin sanding it.

 

Yeah thats true... Probably stronger than one thats notched plus how much abuse can a plastic cup take...

Well now that i am getting talked out of that idea, at least I still get to use some washers for spacers.

 

Yeah, I wouldn't have bothered it I didn't have to. I used to own a '69 F250 that I put a 9.5' camper on. Tailgate had to be removed cause the camper hung low at the back. What a pain to remove it every time I put that camper on!

 

the 80-96 beds are pretty much identical aside from the bedsides. I've not messed with that generation trucks much, but I'm betting if their tailgates can lift off that it wouldn't be much work to fit a later tailgate with its hardware to the 70s bed.

 

I will take a looksee next time I run to pick n pull... I gotta consider that the 80 - 96 gates were designed for this... Not sure if I would be creating a weak spot or not by cutting the notch.

 

I've also seen the issue of the removable arms being so sloppy that they come off while lowering the gate. Then the guy wants to make it permanent. Funny how that goes.