Stepside Tailgate Hinge Bolts

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Oct 19, 2005 | 07:57 PM

Boss50

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From: Coleman, Wisconsin

Stepside Tailgate Hinge Bolts

As of right now both hinges on my tailgate only have one bolt holding them on. One side got stripped out and the other bolt busted off. Has anyone figured out a way to deal with the problem of not being able to get a nut up through the bottom of the stake rack? It's fine for now but I don't want someone to drop the 'gate when I'm not around and decide to sit on it and have the whole thing fall onto the ground. Thanks

Oct 19, 2005 | 09:03 PM

Jebadiah04

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Joined: Feb 2005

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From: Missoula, MT.

tach weld it, if the truck isn't super nice. Im not sure how yur gonna get a nut in there, ive never tried one with mine. from the looks of it, yur gonna need some SUPER needle nose pliers.

BTW a ford step side is a flareside.

just to let ya know.

Oct 20, 2005 | 04:11 AM

Boss50

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From: Coleman, Wisconsin

I know they're called flaresides but I live in Chevy country so I call everything stepsides from habit. I just painted my truck 2 months ago but now that I think about it a little weld on each side shouldn't be too noticeable. I think I'll give that a shot. Thanks

Oct 20, 2005 | 01:00 PM

hotrod48

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From: OK

I would tack weld it too. I did that on my '48', and it's still holding up. Do you happen to have anymore pics of your truck with the new paint? It looks good.

hotrod48

Oct 24, 2005 | 12:12 PM

nickmobile67

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From: East Coast

Can you tap the one that's stripped to the next size bigger? Maybe 1/4"? I think they are metric. The one that's broke you should be able to drill and tap no problem.