Drop-down tailgate & lift hatch.....

CruiserStuff · 10-30-09, 02:51 PM

I've had a really nice tailgate and a very decent lift hatch collecting dust in the rafters of the garage for many, many years and since I'm getting ready to put the hardtop back on (getting chilly), I thought I'd break them out and mount them up.

I really like the tailgate to stand or sit on, use as a workbench, etc, and like the increased visibility of having the solid glass window in the lift hatch (especially when I'm plowing snow). I usually keep the spare in the cargo area when I'm plowing anyway, so I won't have to worry about opening the spare tire carrier (though it is still mounted right now) each time I want to get in the back of the truck.

So here's where I am in the process:

My hatch also came with the stock lift cylinders and I'll be installing NAPA gas shocks (PN 819-5565) inside them.

I do not, however, have the striker plates to hold the hatch shut. Does anyone have a couple of these they'd like to part with......or at least a part number so I can order them?

The tailgate came with 2 of the 3 hinges. I got a third from Spector, but it is different: one hole at the bottom instead of two and a non-removable pin (the other 2 have a cotter pin holding them in):

Does anyone have a spare of the two with the two holes and removable pin....or know where I can get one?

I also noticed that when the gate is in the correct position, the hinges don't sit flush.....were shims needed behind the gate portion of the hinges to make them line up right?

Lastly, I don't have the brackets for the tub-side chain attachments for the tailgate? Anyone have a couple they'd like to sell?

Thanks a bunch. If any of you have any input to save me any headaches, I'd really appreciate it.

crushr · 10-30-09, 09:25 PM

OEM tailgate hardware has become very hard to find. You may want to post up in the parts wanted section. good luck.

77cruiser77 · 10-30-09, 09:58 PM

I thought I saw some on ebay. You'll pay for it but they could have it

77cruiser77 · 10-30-09, 10:02 PM

I just checked ebay and nothing. that auction must've ended. best of luck. By chance are you in Canada?

tucker74 · 10-31-09, 08:26 AM

I bought three hinges and the chain brackets for a my FST tailgate on ebay recently, seller was landcruiserparts. Doesn't look like they have anything listed right now, I'd send them a PM on ebay and ask. Mine were brand new in primer ;-)

Tucker

Combat Chuck · 10-31-09, 08:39 AM

I've got the strikers. I'm switching over to paddle-style latches on my hatch (replacement parts are easier to source for them) and won't need the strikers. PM me, and you can have 'em for shipping costs.

Combat Chuck · 10-31-09, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CruiserStuff

...The tailgate came with 2 of the 3 hinges. I got a third from Spector, but it is different: one hole at the bottom instead of two and a non-removable pin (the other 2 have a cotter pin holding them in):

Does anyone have a spare of the two with the two holes and removable pin....or know where I can get one?

...

Search the forum for fold-down tailgate, I remember someone making OEM-style gate hinges because he couldn't source them. It looked pretty simple to duplicate (just some tubing and plate steel, welded and ground down).

CruiserStuff · 10-31-09, 02:42 PM

Thanks for all the responses. I've PM'ed Combat Chuck for the strikers and will post up in wanted for the other stuff.....I'll try eBay and landcruiserparts.....thanks for the tips.

No, 77cruiser77, I'm not in Canada.....Southern California, actually.

tucker74 · 11-04-09, 09:24 AM

Hey,

Here's the guy I was telling you about:

Hinges

Chain bolts

Tucker

BTW: I looked for a year and a half for these, nobody else has or is making the flat FST/SWB hinges unless you get lucky and find them used.

CruiserStuff · 11-04-09, 10:08 AM

tucker74 - You rock! Wow, a c-note for 3 hinges.....never done that before! Do you have any idea if he'll sell them individually (since I already have 2)? $20 for the two chain bolts is pricey, too, but doable. Thanks again....I really appreciate it!

CruiserStuff · 11-04-09, 10:22 AM

Ordered the shoulder bolts for the chains, but think I'll run the two hinges I have until I can find someone with a third....anyone?

tucker74 · 11-04-09, 01:21 PM

It does seem ridiculous, but used ones are ~$30 each from $OR (don't have any) and Cruiserparts.net (in the shape yours are in)

Mark A. had a couple of new old stock hinges last time I talked to him, he wanted ~$40 each. You might ask the ebay guy about singles when he contacts you, he sold me the tailgate-side chain brackets separately.

Good luck on your project!

Tucker

CruiserStuff · 11-05-09, 09:20 AM

So, I talked to the guy with the hinges and he sold me a sand-blasted used one for $33.....seemed like a nice guy. Thanks again for the help tucker74!