74 blazer, tailgate won't close

[AgentOrange74]

Just bought a '74 blazer, I know nothing of its history, except that it's still wearing it original paint. It looks like it's been well used, but not horrendously abused. There is no sheetmetal or other damage that would indicate an accident.

For some reason, the tailgate won't close. On the left (driver's) side there is a gap of about 1/2" between the tailgate and the bed (indicated by the green arrow).. just enough that the alignment tab won't insert into the bracket. I have sighted down the length of the body at the transition line (indicated by the thin green line on the photo), and it's perfectly straight, no indication that the bed side could possibly be bent outward.

Interestingly, the gap on the right side is uniform. The right side closes nicely. Sighted down the right side, and it looks every bit as straight as the left.

I have also inspected the inside of the bed carefully, and there is no indication anywhere that the left side had been pushed out or modifed or anything of the sort. I am baffled as to what could make the bed sides out of square. The only thing I can think of would be a twisted frame, but it seems like that would manifest itself in other places as well. This is the only part of the vehicle that doesn't square up.

Any thoughts?

[blazer74]

Sure looks like something on the left is tweaked.
Does the rear window fit when up?

If you have some room to play with on the right side and if  you can loosen the rusted tailgate hinge bolts you might be able to center the tailgate enough for it to close but it sure looks like the left side quarter is off a bit.


There was another blazer called agent orange a while back that had a pickup bed grafted on to replace the rusted bed.

[Burkhalter]

I know I'm answering a question with a question. But is there a difference in width between the 70s blazer and the 80s blazer? If the 80s tailgate is narrower that could be an explanation.

[blazer74]

Same

[1967KaiserM715]

It shouldn't be perfectly straight all the way back, it should start a very, very mild curve right around the wheel well. You can sort of notice it on the right side. It is very mild, but is most likely the reason it is off by , 1/4 inch probably?

I'm not too familiar with the floor attachment, but assuming it is welded, look for cracks in the floor, near the seams.



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[philo_beddoe]

Never mind the blazer, agent orange where is that? Looks sunny and warm! Looks like nice country, southwest?

[gunrac]

Never mind the blazer, agent orange where is that? Looks sunny and warm! Looks like nice country, southwest?

Easy...........the war has been over 4 quite some time.......he has no clue......

[AgentOrange74]

@1967KaiserM715 Thanks for that clue, I'll look more carefully down the right side and see what I can see. Next question is how would I go about correcting such a thing? My best guess would be to take the top off and attach a piece of 3/16 x 1 1/2" x 18" flat bar stock to the top of the bed rail and use a come-along attached to a firmly anchored object (maybe another truck bumper?) and pull it back into alignment... thoughts?

@philo_beddoe southwestern utah, St. George area. Mid 70's this time of year

[philo_beddoe]

On my way!!! Lol, near the green river? Good trout fishing i hear.