How to Stop my Tailgate from Rattling around.

[Spool]

Hey Guys.
73 c20 here.

My tailgate is constantly bouncing around.
Somebody bent/cut the tailgate itself before my ownership- not even sure it's the original.

My thinking is I can silence this with bushings/bumpers of some kind?
Looks like there's room for some rubber spacers that can be mounted using 1/4 holes near the locking tabs?
Here's a YouTube video I shot to better illustrate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhJDjwPDO-4

Any idea where I can grab some of these 'bumpers'?

[Mike81K10]

Could have multiple problems, bumpers for one. Then the trunnion and other issues. I attached a picture with a readout of tailgate hardware. Not all the hardware is used for your year, this is for varies years 73-87. From your picture (video) it appears your missing the upper rubber pads and perhaps some other issues exist.

[Shifty]

Don't look at me for answers, I tried the bushing/trunnion thing, still noisy as heck....I'm about to break out the welder...

[Spool]

Okay, cool. Thanks Mike.
So, I need number 19 in the diagram, but I notice that the diagram is from the forbidden vendor.

Also, what is the part identified as 20? Looks like a bushing/bumper as well.

Does anyone know where I can buy the bushing identified as number 19?
(I'll also be looking to catch the front bumpers for the hood on this purchase order as well- the 1/4 inch bumpers that stop the hood from closing too far down for alignment.)

[Mike81K10]

I did not list the vendor but yes. However, they have a pretty good breakout picture. There are multiple places to get the part. I actually do not buy from the forbidden vendor except for a last resort situation, because I have not had the best of luck with them. Whom ever you order from, ensure you get the part(s) for your year truck. The upper rubber bumper should stop some of that play you have in the upper tailgate. If there is play in the lower tailgate, you may need the lower bumper as well and perhaps a new hinge/trunion. You can start with just the upper bumper(s) (if your lower ones look OK) and see how it works out.

[Spool]

Sounds good.
If you don't mind, which store would you recommend then?

[Mike81K10]

Scared to say since some stores are not allowed to be mentioned. The store on this forum does not appear to have them. Type in your browser tailgate bumper for 1973 K20 and you will find places to shop for them. AMD I believe is OK to mention and I believe they have them.

[Spool]

Thanks Mike.
Appreciate your time!

(My first time responded in a thread using the app “Tap Talk,” so I’ll log on my desktop later to confirm this message is successful.)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[shinkle]

A cheap fix to see what new rubber bumpers would do is to take off the old one and put a spacer behind it.  Also, tighten up the screws on the inside of the tailgate handle.  Some ratttling could be internal.

[Spool]

Good idea Shinkle. Thank you!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Spool]

Hey Mike.
Thanks again, man.

Picked up some bumpers from American Classic and added some hood bumpers to get my hood closer to perfect.
Thanks for advice and time you took here!

[JohnnyPopper]

If you're missing part # 13 you will have bounce rattle and roll till the cows come home.

Home Depot sell stick on door sealer that comes in a roll of 1/2 inch wide, brown and other colors. Layer up till you have a hard time closing your gate. Game over...

Remember that commercial: Old gal pull us to a car that is clearly compromised and say "Hey! Your Muffler! Fix it!" Just do it man, we will all breath a sigh of relief...

[Spool]

Haha. What?! No, I don’t remember this commercial. Send a link if you can find one, Johnny. Haha.

Def. gonna grab part 13 at some point. I’ll see how far I get with this bumpers for now.

Makes me think of when I bought the truck- I went to pull the gate open and the owner yells to stop. This then followed with, ‘anything else you’d like to share with me about the truck?’

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JohnnyPopper]

Ha ha, you're pry too young, came out in the 60-70's.

Start there, and life will greatly improve...

[Spool]

Found it:

https://youtu.be/EuoFTO5p_M0


“Man, you know... You are a menace to society.”
Haha.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk