1953-1956 tailgate question?

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Nov 3, 2008 | 12:06 PM

#16

bobbytnm

Roast em' if you got 'em

Joined: Mar 2005

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From: Rio Rancho, NM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanco

I cut a half piece of 3/4 EMT (Electrical Conduit) and braze it to the tailgate roll on the top. That tightens it up enough. You could also just cut some body metal and roll it around a piece of rebar or even the hinge pin. If a full round is too much, just use half, then weld or braze it in the tailgate roll.

If the tailgate is all painted and pretty, you will have to make a bushing. Julie's copper pipe solution sounds great.

alanco

I also use some EMT to make my tailgate. I wanted to keep the center stamped portion of my tailgate but my upper and lower roll wer completely hammered. I rebuilt the perimeter using some 3/4" angle and welded the upper and lower roll. I used hinge pins from a mid 80's Ford. I know they are supposed to be the same up through 79 but I can't see any differences in my mid 80's ones from the earlier ones. I used a small section of 1/2' pipe as a bushing. I cut it down to size and pressed it into the lower roll. Greased the heck out of it and isntalled it.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...&albumid=25568

Bobby

Nov 3, 2008 | 05:20 PM

#17

alanco

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Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 412

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From: Fallon, Nevada

Hinge Pins

The hinge pins I have (which are for sale) which came from a parted out '56 are cast and nicely round. It is the tailgate which wears and stretches particularly if the truck is used, or has been used with loads on the tailgate.

alanco

Nov 3, 2008 | 06:16 PM

#18

Julies Cool F1

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Joined: May 2008

Posts: 7,641

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From: Poway, Ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NumberDummy

EDITED above as 8C is a part number from 1948.

Dumb cluck me typed that 8C part number, said 1953/79.

I shoulda known better, the application is 1948/79, not 1953/79.

Prolly thinkin' about BB's instead of 8C's...

LOLOL!! Come to think about it, BB's are also known as "Deuce" one ton Ford trucks!

OH so you went back in and changed it on me!!!!! I was wondering????? I thought that maybe between election jtters, the cold and flu season, and the oncoming Holiday Travel Horror, my brain was fluctuating!

Well, it was a good idea while it lasted - about 15 seconds!

J!

Nov 3, 2008 | 06:44 PM

#19

WALFORD'S 56

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Joined: Sep 2006

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From: oh

I am just curious--and should have a poll as to how many people would say they have rebar/pipe,etc as a pivot rod in their tailgates over having the factory pins alone.....I had a heck of a time getting this pipe out of the 53s tailgate.....and think the copper end thing that Julie spoke of could work on mine too......find out tomorrow/thanks ....Bill

Nov 3, 2008 | 09:32 PM

#20

Kusto

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Joined: Jan 2007

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From: Grande Prairie, Alberta

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julies Cool F1

That's interesting! Maybe they added it in there to help prevent the stretching and slop in the original design.

Maybe they could tell you if they use a seperate bushing, and what it is made of (if not part of the sheet metal).

J!

PS I have two sets of hinge pins and one is definately a little bigger than the other. I wonder if a while back installing an oversized pin was the sought solution to the stretching and wear?

The bushings appear to be of the same material and thickness as the material used for the tailgate. Upon closer inspection the bushing appears to extend approximately 1" into the lower roll and I confirmed that my polished stainless pins are round, the only interference from inserting the pins is the tack welds used to hold the bushings in place.

Easy fix.