Cheep tailgate repair

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farmerjeff

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jeff
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1979
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c10
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So I was never able to get the correct part for my tailgate so a modified 1” socket worked perfectly
 

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farmerjeff

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c10
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454 4 speed
Part 2
 

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AuroraGirl

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So I was never able to get the correct part for my tailgate so a modified 1” socket worked perfectly
Thats one way to do it lol. If you get a little wear on it, an epoxy paint and lubricant will keep it good if you keep up on it. but if you paint it now it might sit up. but you could also adjust the bed-side thing too
 

Grit dog

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Very ingenious!
Fwiw, though, a complete set of re-pop hinges is like $20 or less on Amazon.
They’re readily available from several parts houses.
 

farmerjeff

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Also your wood bed is in beautiful shape can you take a pic of the underside of your truck for a look at the crossmembers?
I will get under it in the next few day once the snow melts and snap a few photos for you
 

farmerjeff

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454 4 speed
Very ingenious!
Fwiw, though, a complete set of re-pop hinges is like $20 or less on Amazon.
They’re readily available from several parts houses.
The ones for the 79 are different than what I’ve found online
 

AuroraGirl

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The ones for the 79 are different than what I’ve found online
They had a design change or 3 or 4 up through the GMT400 (I think) Earliest trucks had 2 trunnions with no quick removal. THen it became quick remove. Then they changed the size of the cup I think and what was once bolted on became welded(or the other way around) on the tailgate side.

I just looked it up, there is a chance you have only seen the 81+ ones, which are more popular. smaller in size I believe.
The older ones larger but I think the tailgate side had a tendancy to wear out wider becoming sloppy fitting
 

AuroraGirl

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This doesnt fix your original issue I dont think it was quite as "good" on your tailgate side as these kinda are for, but if its actually not too bad, thing may be worthy of a future buy or if you get a pristine tailgate. BUt I was curious since I looked it up before and this is just one solution meant best for tailgates in pretty good shape to be quiet and smooth etc
 

farmerjeff

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Joined
Mar 18, 2012
Posts
71
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153
Location
methuen
First Name
jeff
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
c10
Engine Size
454 4 speed
Also your wood bed is in beautiful shape can you take a pic of the underside of your truck for a look at the crossmembers?
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach

I will get under it in the next few day once the snow melts and snap a few photos for you
 

farmerjeff

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Joined
Mar 18, 2012
Posts
71
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153
Location
methuen
First Name
jeff
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
c10
Engine Size
454 4 speed
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach

This doesnt fix your original issue I dont think it was quite as "good" on your tailgate side as these kinda are for, but if its actually not too bad, thing may be worthy of a future buy or if you get a pristine tailgate. BUt I was curious since I looked it up before and this is just one solution meant best for tailgates in pretty good shape to be quiet and smooth etc
That’s a nice update kit if I ever get a new tailgate I will definitely try that set up
 

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