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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Side opening Tailgate

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Old Sep 24, 2006 | 01:20 AM
  #1  
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Side opening Tailgate

When I was looking for my Effie I saw a 53 that had a side opening tailgate, now while this is probably not the most practical, it did look neat and was different.
I was wondering if this was ever a standard fitment or if not has anyone else gone this way or know of anyone selling hinges and catch for this type of install?

Thanks
Lee
 
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Old Sep 24, 2006 | 12:16 PM
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I've never seen that setup and I would be leery of it since I count on the weight-bearing aspect of my truck's current tailgate. If you're truly interested in this mod, why not take a look at the Jeep Wrangler or Bronco side-opening mechanisms? Both are sturdy enough to support the weight of the spare tire and carrier and just might do the job of keeping the wider tailgate aligned for closure.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2006 | 04:19 PM
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I know of one trucker that has this on his 54 truck. Mike's truck is blue with graphics. Was looking for a pic but couldn't find one. Will post when I get one.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2006 | 04:55 PM
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The concept came from a design for a Stationwagons Tailgate from the 70's that opened both regularly & sidewise.
The design could be readily addapted to a trucks tailgate I suppose.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2006 | 05:15 PM
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I just saw a pic of a truck with one of these tailgates in an older Classic Trucks mag...looked OK for a "trailer queen" but I'm not sure that I'd want one on my truck. I agree with Nuthin', looks like a lot of weight hanging from an already weak point on the end of the bed.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2006 | 07:27 PM
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I saw a "c***Y" truck in a show once that was split in the middle and swung both ways. It looked neat for a show truck, but I don't know how practical it would be in daily use.

I talked to the owner and he told me he did it himself in his garage. I coudln't see what hinges he used.

It would be difficult/impossible to back up to a loading dock or dirt bank to load things. Thats what the flat tailgate is for. A "bridge" to roll/drag things across.

The above statement is just the opinion of this poster.
 

Last edited by Brian_B; Sep 24, 2006 at 07:30 PM.
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