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tailgate on non-tailgate M38-a1?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Dondo, Dec 30, 2005.

  1. Dec 30, 2005
    Dondo

    Dondo These are my good pants..

    Hutchinson, Kansas
    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2004
    Messages:
    314
    How hard is it to install a tailgate on a non-tailgate Jeep? I have a '53 M38-a1 and have always wondered what was involved with sticking a fold down tailgate.

    Dondo
     
    Dondo, Dec 30, 2005
    #1
  2. Dec 30, 2005
    Rondog

    Rondog just hangin' out

    Parker, CO
    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2005
    Messages:
    2,918
    Don't know, never done it. But I have seen the "tailgate frame" piece for sale at various sources (I think Jeepanels Plus and DL Bensinger?), and you can get the hinges for the body too, so it might be doable. I can't remember what the part is called, but it's a replacement sheetmetal piece for the opening or frame that surrounds the tailgate.
     
    Rondog, Dec 30, 2005
    #2
  3. Dec 31, 2005
    66cj5

    66cj5 Jeep with no name

    NorthWest Indiana
    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2003
    Messages:
    2,084
    cutting some of the tub away. HOWEVER you make the body weaker.
     
    66cj5, Dec 31, 2005
    #3
  4. Dec 31, 2005
    jd7

    jd7 Sponsor

    Nacogdoches,Texas
    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2004
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    1,745
    jd7, Dec 31, 2005
    #4
  5. Dec 31, 2005
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2002
    Messages:
    4,275
    Unless you have a dying desire to have a tailgate in a CJ, I would stick with the stock M38A1 body since it will be less resistant to flexing, and is inherently stronger. The teeny box on a CJ makes for a lousy pick-up bed anyway. ;)
     
    w3srl, Dec 31, 2005
    #5
  6. Dec 31, 2005
    DanStew

    DanStew Preowned Merkin salesman Staff Member

    Lexington, South...
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
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    4,585
    The cool thing for a CJ tailgate is that it makes a great baby changing table. :)
     
    DanStew, Dec 31, 2005
    #6
  7. Dec 31, 2005
    speedbuggy

    speedbuggy Looking for a Jeep now

    Living the Good...
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    Jul 1, 2004
    Messages:
    1,270
    You know, I've never dropped the tailgate on speedy. It's always been easier to lift things in than mess around with the chains.

    Food for thought.
     
    speedbuggy, Dec 31, 2005
    #7
  8. Dec 31, 2005
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
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    Nov 6, 2002
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    Got me there Dan. Although I must confess to having changed many diapers on the side of the road on the flip-down door/step of our old pop-up camper. Guess you had to be there... (upwind) R)
     
    w3srl, Dec 31, 2005
    #8
  9. Dec 31, 2005
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,197
    I didn't for years on Dutch either - until I put in the back seat. Then dropping the tailgate was the only real way to take advantage of the space behind the seat.
     
    Boyink, Dec 31, 2005
    #9
  10. Dec 31, 2005
    Dondo

    Dondo These are my good pants..

    Hutchinson, Kansas
    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2004
    Messages:
    314
    Thanks for the replies. I was just kind of wondering what it would take. Right now it is the stock rear panel although beefed up some to take the weight of the spare tire. The PO had literally torn the metal with the spare and whatever else he bolted on the back. My father-in-law and I added some bracing with 1/4" box iron horizontally and vertically across the back. Sturdy as hell now. I was just curious as I'd like to be able to get to the rear seat a little easier. Sounds like I should just "let it be" :)

    Dondo
     
    Dondo, Dec 31, 2005
    #10
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