52 Tailgate Hinge Mounting

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Feb 27, 2010 | 07:02 PM

cts1954

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From: Peterborough, Ontario

52 Tailgate Hinge Mounting

I am installing my tailgate on my 52 F1. I have a new pro-pics box and also a new Ford script tailgate with new stainless hinges. I have positioned the gate it the hole with the proper clearances and hieght and drilled my holes for the hinges. I have made stainless strips with 1/4 - 20 studs to fit inside the stake pockets and the hinge bolts on with stainless acorn nuts. My problem is that when the hinges are tight and mounted flat to the stake pocket the tailgate will not close up becaue of the lip of the box. My question is - are there suppose to be spacers between the hinge and the box to give it more clearance or should it be tight and I have to grind the lip down.

Thanks

Feb 27, 2010 | 07:17 PM

cts1954

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From: Peterborough, Ontario

I think I have fgured this out, it looks like the tail light mounts go on under the hinge and this will act as a spacer. I need to get a couple of stainless ones and mount them as well.
Sound correct?

Thanks

Feb 27, 2010 | 07:30 PM

Julies Cool F1

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From: Poway, Ca.

Well if that works for you and you like it then go for it. But the tail light brackets do not go under the tail gate pins. They go on the back side of the stake pocket mounted with the same bolts that hold the tailgate hinge. On some trucks there are three holes and some folks like to mount the tail light in the upper two (the tailgate hinge is in the lower two).

When the tailgate is installed correctly, the outer edges of the tailgate should fit over and outside of the box sides. You need to find out where it is interfering. Chances are the bed is a little wide and the tailgate is not coming up all the way, or you have it mounted too high and it is hitting on the bottom edge of the bed.

The hole for the tailgate hinge bottom bolt should be exactly 3 inches from the bottom of the stake pocket to the center of the hole.

Feb 27, 2010 | 08:25 PM

cts1954

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From: Peterborough, Ontario

Julie

Thanks, I am wrong again. The width is not a problem it is that the gate is being pulled in to tight to the box and hitting on the vertical rib of the box, it is possible that this extension piece is too wide and needs to be ground down. I will have to post a picture.

Thanks

Feb 27, 2010 | 08:36 PM

Julies Cool F1

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From: Poway, Ca.

Sometimes the bed sides will cant outward slightly and that wil bind up the tailgate when you try to close it. On my truck, the right bed wall does that so I have to fasten that side first then pull in HARD on it to get the other side to latch.

One thing to look at also, is that there are welding imperfections on the hinge pins that make it eccentric shaped. Sometimes that will make a difference in how the gate closes as well. If the lip of the bed side is too deep and the tailgate is hitting, I wouldn't hesitate to put a shim washer under the hinge pin to bring it up a dash - should't take alot!

A picture would be great!

Feb 28, 2010 | 12:26 PM

cts1954

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Here is a picture, see the bottom corner of the box opening, that is where it is interfering when the tailgate is closed up. On my old box that area is cut on an angle at the bottom of the lip and into the cross support.

I hope that makes sense

Feb 28, 2010 | 08:02 PM

Julies Cool F1

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From: Poway, Ca.

It does. And it looks like that's your problem. There is a definate bevel ground out of that lower corner that hasn't been done on yours. Hinge placement looks good though!

Here is a picture of mine not sure if you can make it out or not:

Name: C Drivers Side Tail Light and License Plate.jpg
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