Will a '79 tailgate fit a '70 FJ40?

[Robcat]

I've been on the lookout for a drop down tailgate for my '70 FJ40, but those babies just don't seem to pop up on craigslist very often, and when they do...$$$$$. I found a nice looking gate from a '79, and I'm hoping it'll either fit or can be made to fit with a bit of hinge relocation work. What say the IH8MUD experts?? Should I scoop it up, or keep looking for a '70 specific gate?

Oh, before anyone asks...it's a bit too far away to drive my FJ40 to do an onsite check. I may end up doing that, but thought I'd check here first.

Thanks!

 

[brian]

79 will have rounded corners on the of the gate and tub, yours will have square corners.

 

[Robcat]

Hmmm...the owner isn't 100% positive it's from a '79, and I don't see any rounded corners in the pic. Can you tell by looking, or are the rounded corners behind the square cornered face?

 

[Living in the Past]

That style license plate bracket ended early in the 74 model year. Three footman loops per side I would say even earlier.

 

[Living in the Past]

In other words perfect for your 70.

 

[SW20]

It is not from a 79. 100% sure of that.

 

[eman375]

It looks like it will work. May as well buy it. You won't lose any money if you have to sell it...

 

[davework]

Just out of curiosity, were drop down tailgates offered on later model 40s like a '79?

 

[Living in the Past]

Just out of curiosity, were drop down tailgates offered on later model 40s like a '79?

Yes but not in the US market. 77 suppose was the last year a soft model was offered in the US, very few made it here. Other markets continued getting soft tops. Seen a 79 over twenty years ago that came from Central America with a tailgate. Corners were rounded like on the 79+ ambulance doors.

 

[davework]

Yes but not in the US market. 77 suppose was the last year a soft model was offered in the US, very few made it here. Other markets continued getting soft tops. Seen a 79 over twenty years ago that came from Central America with a tailgate. Corners were rounded like on the 79+ ambulance doors.

That would be cool to have on a later 40, thanks for the info.

 

[77HesterSue]

OP looks like a nice tailgate!