65/66 tailgate opening dimensions
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From: Scotland not GB!
65/66 tailgate opening dimensions
Hey guys,
First thread start on here so be gentle!!
out here in Scotland patching up an old 65 styleside longbed that's been hit hard on passenger rear at some point in the past, causing the right hand upright that contains the rear lamp assy to lean out in the head.
Ive got a tailgate getting shipped from Texas as we speak, but need to square this up and get it into paint shortly.
Could someone please measure the top and bottom widths, as well as a length across the diagonal of their tailgate opening!?
thanks
Rabb
First thread start on here so be gentle!!
out here in Scotland patching up an old 65 styleside longbed that's been hit hard on passenger rear at some point in the past, causing the right hand upright that contains the rear lamp assy to lean out in the head.
Ive got a tailgate getting shipped from Texas as we speak, but need to square this up and get it into paint shortly.
Could someone please measure the top and bottom widths, as well as a length across the diagonal of their tailgate opening!?
thanks
Rabb
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
C4TZ-9940700-A .. Styleside tailgate: 1964/66 F100/250 2WD; 1966 F100 4WD.
September 1966: Ford obsoleted the C4TZ tailgate, replaced it with the 1967 (1967/72) F100/350 C7TZ-9940700-A tailgate for use as a "service part replacement."
ALL the mounting hardware is exactly the same, but the 1967/72 tailgate looks slightly different. Has smaller FORD letters surrounded by a raised ovate scallop line.
Both these tailgates are 66 7/8" long x 21 1/4" high.
IF your '65 has 4WD or is an F350, the tailgate is different.
September 1966: Ford obsoleted the C4TZ tailgate, replaced it with the 1967 (1967/72) F100/350 C7TZ-9940700-A tailgate for use as a "service part replacement."
ALL the mounting hardware is exactly the same, but the 1967/72 tailgate looks slightly different. Has smaller FORD letters surrounded by a raised ovate scallop line.
Both these tailgates are 66 7/8" long x 21 1/4" high.
IF your '65 has 4WD or is an F350, the tailgate is different.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 107
Likes: 1
On my 1966 F100 the opening measures 67 1/2 inches at bottom, 67 9/16 inches at top and 68 inch on the diagonal. If i can read a mm tape right, its 1711 at bottom, 1715 at top and 1724 on the diagonal. thats with the tape jammed into one corner and reading at the top of the gate.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 5
From: Corbett, Oregon
I would suggest to wait until you have your new tailgate before spending a lot of time on the opening. Once you get the tailgate you can "massage" things to fit and look right, even if something is a bit off.
Just a thought.
Good luck.
Just a thought.
Good luck.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 699
I agree. However, I measured 67 1/4" top and bottom (67 5/8" diag) which would seem more in line with the dims ND gave for the tailgate though.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 6
From: Great White North
Over the years the box sides can spread apart from each other at the top, especially if the tailgate is off the truck alot. I would also wait until you have the tailgate and fit the sides accordingly.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 505
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From: Cumming, Ga.
I would imagine there are many different measurements since these trucks are over 50 years old, and who knows what they have been put through. Mine 67 3/8" top and bottom, 70" diagonally.
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Put a large carpenter square on the bed and butt it up against each bed side. I would assume that over the years, the top of each bed side, has bowed outward.
In the past, (I've done this on a couple trucks), spot welded a plat with a hook on it, to the top of each side of the bed opening, and another plat with a hook, at the corner junction of the bed floor and the bed side. Connect a 'come along' and crank it down,pulling the top of the bed inward till it is square. Use the carpenter square to check when it is true. The spot welds on the plates can be cut later and plates removed.
In the past, (I've done this on a couple trucks), spot welded a plat with a hook on it, to the top of each side of the bed opening, and another plat with a hook, at the corner junction of the bed floor and the bed side. Connect a 'come along' and crank it down,pulling the top of the bed inward till it is square. Use the carpenter square to check when it is true. The spot welds on the plates can be cut later and plates removed.
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