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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Body, Glass & Paint => Topic started by: Stewart G Griffin on August 19, 2012, 12:01:51 PM

Title: Would taking the tailgate off pose a problem:
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on August 19, 2012, 12:01:51 PM
Would taking the tailgate off pose a problem as far as structural rigidity etc.?
Title: Re: Would taking the tailgate off pose a problem:
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on August 19, 2012, 01:32:52 PM
The way the latches are done they wouldn't help structure at all, so I have to say no.
Title: Re: Would taking the tailgate off pose a problem:
Post by: Sartobuilt on August 19, 2012, 07:35:05 PM
I wouldn't leave it off. After some time the rear bedsides will get loose and crack. Look at the tailgate latch it has tabs that hold it tight. I've seen quite a few beds get ruined back in the pronet days.
Title: Re: Would taking the tailgate off pose a problem:
Post by: Blazin on August 19, 2012, 10:59:30 PM
I have run Yellow Snow for years, and years with no tail gate. There is no problem with its bed as far as the sides floppin. I don't run one in the winter for plowing, and I just never seem to getting around to putting one on in the summer. Plus I never painted it when I painted the rest of the truck!
Have run other trucks over the year without them too. Never had any problem with them either.
Title: Re: Would taking the tailgate off pose a problem:
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on August 20, 2012, 01:01:50 PM
I wouldn't leave it off. After some time the rear bedsides will get loose and crack. Look at the tailgate latch it has tabs that hold it tight. I've seen quite a few beds get ruined back in the pronet days.

i'm wanting to take it off because i might want to put a slide in camper or make my own.  So, this would only be temporary.
Title: Re: Would taking the tailgate off pose a problem:
Post by: bd on August 20, 2012, 01:19:03 PM
Not to worry.  It'll be fine.
Title: Re: Would taking the tailgate off pose a problem:
Post by: Irish_Alley on August 22, 2012, 11:09:57 AM
the only thing this will effect if aerodynamics and we are talking very little