Fj40 Tail gate (1 Viewer)

[Buffchief]

Need some advice.....what's the cleanest best way to make an old drop down tail gate fit my 1980 Fj-40? I have one I bought many years ago and would like to install it on my body off restore since I'll have the top off most of the time. Seems to be a little narrow (no overlap) and I assume I'll have to round out the bottom corners to fit right and move the LP mount from left to right. Want a clean look ! Thanks

 

[brian]

Start drilling, it will fit into the door recesses.

 

[JohnnyC]

Yes you will need to round the corners of the tailgate to fit your 79+ ambi door opening

 

[pb4ugo]

I'd be sure to make it functional. If you're doing major work to the tub nows the time to do it. I'd use nutserts or captured nuts for the hinges. I've been using a plate across the back forever and tierd of it.
There will be a working tailgate soon. I'll be altering the amby doors for the top.

 

[Buffchief]

I have the tub off and new rear sill as well as qtr panels from CC. Tub is about to be epoxy primed etc.... tailgate has basically zero rust though and about to strip it down and dry fit it for holes and alignment. I guess the first thing is to round the corners and fit it inside where the ambulance doors go. Wondering if I need to stiffen the chain mounting point on the tub to make it solid.
Thanks for your reply

 

[Buffchief]

Yes you will need to round the corners of the tailgate to fit your 79+ ambi door opening

Thank you, I mean I figured so but didn't know if this should overlap or inset flush
Thanks!!

 

[peterb]

Should work well. I zip tie bits of fuel hose over latches to cut down on rattles. Might also consider putting hose over the chains for the same reason and to protect the paint.

 

[JohnnyC]

@peterb

A better option would be to use tailgate chain covers like is used on willys and dodge military stuff

military jeep chain cover - Google Search

 

[peterb]

@peterb

A better option would be to use tailgate chain covers like is used on willys and dodge military stuff

military jeep chain cover - Google Search

I agree. I had some made by my shoe repair guy out of vinyl I bought.

 

[gvxclassics]

Fit everything together before final painting. Then when it all works, mark everything carefully and have it painted. Then carefully reassemble. The Roof assembly on my customers vehicle was painted before anything was fitted, and numerous bolt plates were bondoed in place, making the reassembly way more labor intensive and lots of other issues. Instead of one door and one latch, that are all adjustable, the FJ uses multiple bolts washers plates screws latches that make assembly of distorted panels very difficult. I'm trying to install the roof now, and its about a half inch wider that the side panels. I'm going to have to use a big clamp to spread the body to fit the roof bolt pattern. Pet peeve: don't paint the threaded holes!!!

 

[gvxclassics]

Those six holes in the hinges. How are you going to drill and locate? Will you be using sheet metal screws, or bolts into an adjustable bolt plate. It looks like taper headed screws at one side, and bolts washers on the inside.

 

[jim land]

Thank you, I mean I figured so but didn't know if this should overlap or inset flush
Thanks!!

If it is bigger than the rear opening it will overlap, and if it is smaller it will fit flush , you need to try it or take some mesures

 

[Living in the Past]

For the bottom hinges make a spacer to match the depth the tailgate fits inside the tub. Use the on the tailgate part of the hinge. Do the same for the latches on the side. The add weatherstripping to the tailgate edge where fits against the tub.

 

[MOTOV8R]

I added a tailgate to my 79. I used nutserts/rivnuts for the hinges and the existing ambulance door mounting locations for the catches. The hinges I pounded flat so the tailgate sits flush. You will also need to add the Chain mounting location for the tub. BTB sells these.

 

[brian]

@peterb

A better option would be to use tailgate chain covers like is used on willys and dodge military stuff

military jeep chain cover - Google Search

Or 20x1.75 bicycle inner tubes.

 

[Buffchief]

I added a tailgate to my 79. I used nutserts/rivnuts for the hinges and the existing ambulance door mounting locations for the catches. The hinges I pounded flat so the tailgate sits flush. You will also need to add the Chain mounting location for the tub. BTB sells these.

View attachment 3656919

View attachment 3656920

View attachment 3656921

Perfect info! Thank you

 

[Buffchief]

For the bottom hinges make a spacer to match the depth the tailgate fits inside the tub. Use the on the tailgate part of the hinge. Do the same for the latches on the side. The add weatherstripping to the tailgate edge where fits against the tub.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Living in the Past]

This on a pre 1/79 FJ40 with ambulance doors with square corners.
Can see how a tailgate fits flush against the tub.

 

[Unimogguy]

@Buffchief SOR sells reproductions of the original tailgate chain covers. I have a set on my 45. Tailgate - 40 & 45 Series Fold Down (Page131) - Specter Off-Road - https://www.sor.com/cat/131

 

[Buffchief]

@Buffchief SOR sells reproductions of the original tailgate chain covers. I have a set on my 45. Tailgate - 40 & 45 Series Fold Down (Page131) - Specter Off-Road - https://www.sor.com/cat/131

View attachment 3657066

great !!