Tailgate Trouble

[dbolterII]

Not quite sure what I got going on yet, but 1971 d~100 FSM not much help....
The piece in my tailgate that holds the bracket {basically what replaced the chains on the older swepty tailgates hold them up} has fallen out of the tailgate
so the two piece hinging arm that holds the tailgate "up" and takes the weight when the tailgate is down where that attaches to the tailgate has failed.
sorry this is hard to describe and nothing in my 69~71 FSM to call the parts their correct name...
it is a round plug in the tailgate itself that has popped out and the other side is right behind it about to come out too....
not sure if these are welded in or bolted or serviceable?/? any help advice appreciated.... Thanks ~d

[PwrWgnDrvr]

They are welded to the sheetmetal. It is a design flaw that is very weak and it is common failure. They need to be re-welded back in.

[dbolterII]

Thx For the reply PWD... I am not a master fabricator, but I do own a welder...any tips appreciated before I tag my stock goods back down...

anybody else dealt with/ resolved this weak point?/? I searched the forum and didn't see much... The trucks re~paint {20 years ago} is still pretty decent so it will be a bit of a bummer to cook that but, I am function over fashion ... thx ~d

[BleuTank]

I've had this same problem. I've used generic "cable" style tailgate links, the original flat hinges were found under the seat. Cables work well, but eventually I'd like to have the welding done. And make it original.

[WD]

Cut the stock parts out. Graft in a later model version cut out of a scrap tailgate.

Other option is to track down a good tailgate. My 69’s original tailgate is junk. Good letter panel, the rest is pure dents and/or tears.