Need info on tailgate hardware

[chriskonen]

Gentlemen,

Still trying to restore my '77 M880 but it is slow going finding parts and I can't find anyone in my area who knows anything about these trucks. My issue today will be simple for most of you so be gentle. Finally found a tailgate for my '77 but after trying to mount it I've hit a snag. The '77 has a slotted "L" bracket for the latch mechanism, but this tailgate I have (appears to be early 80's) has a rotating "U" or "C" claw that looks like it wants to connect to a cylindrical striker like a door would.

Since I can't find another tailgate, can I make this one work? Grind off the "L" brackets, weld on the strikers? If so where can I find the strikers. No junkyards near me have these era trucks and I can't find anywhere online that deals with this era replacement parts. Maybe someone has or knows where they can get this hardware near them I could buy? Thanks for your time as always!

 

[MatthewH]

You're right. When Dodge changed body styles in '81, the latch mechanism changed with it. The tailgate still fits, just won't latch.

I installed a 70's era tailgate on a '93 box, and welded u-bolts to the box so it would latch.

I believe you can get the striker pins from dorman, but any steel rod the same size should work. Will measure one of mine and post size.

If your interested, I have an extra 70's Dodge replacement tailgate. Good shape, I can send you pics if you want. Make you a killer deal on it. PM if interested

 

[chriskonen]

Thanks for the info, I checked Dorman and no such luck when searching "tailgate". PM sent

 

[Bob H]

You're right. When Dodge changed body styles in '81, the latch mechanism changed with it. The tailgate still fits, just won't latch.

I installed a 70's era tailgate on a '93 box, and welded u-bolts to the box so it would latch.

I believe you can get the striker pins from dorman, but any steel rod the same size should work. Will measure one of mine and post size.

If your interested, I have an extra 70's Dodge replacement tailgate. Good shape, I can send you pics if you want. Make you a killer deal on it. PM if interested

So how did I not know about this tailgate you have?

 

[MatthewH]

So how did I not know about this tailgate you have?

I forgot I had it until he asked about em. I then remembered making mine fit, which led to remembering I bought 2 70's era tailgates at the Pick and Pull. Looked today, sure enough, there it sits in the rafters of the Shop. If he dosent want it, then I offer the same deal to you, Bob.