Side opening Tailgate
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 307
Likes: 21
From: Carnation, WA
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
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
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 664
Likes: 0
From: Rural Southern Colorado
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.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
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.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,958
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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.
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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