Easy-off factory tailgate

[SEAnthony]

There was discussion awhile back about the easy-off tailgate option for the Camper Special Dodge offered for the 70 or 71 trucks. I came across a once in a lifetime opportunity back in the mid-90's. I was able to purchase a NOS factory tailgate. The tailgate that I thought I was purchasing was the tailgate that has the Dodge name stamped into it. When the tailgate arrived, I was estatic. When I looked at it, the Dodge name was not there and there was a notch on the bottom right-hand corner. I said "Great, wrong tailgate". After researching, I realized that it was a Camper Special easy-off tailgate. Then I sat down with a celebratory beer in one hand and a shot in the other. I thought to myself, "There is a Dodge Truck God". After further research, I was able to purchase the right-hand pivot bushing. I hope these pictures help out. You all can see what a NOS easy-off tailgate looks like.

Thanks
Anthony

[steven]

Wow, is that cool, or what? Wouldnt be too hard to add that to a non-easy-off tailgate. \

Thanks for the pics.

[Russ]

So that's what a real easy-off tailgate looks like. Thanks for showing it, I have never seen one before.

[RussRoth]

I have been looking for one of those for years. Thanks for sharing as I've never seen one either.

[soopernaut]

Very cool, I've known about them for years but have never had the pleasure of seeing one.

[akayp]

After further research, I was able to purchase the right-hand pivot bushing.

where did you find the pivot bushing?
i need one!

i found a tailgate via craigslist in iowa...
its off a 1970 i believe, as its that olive green color.
its beautiful...one dent in the middle on the very bottom of the pipe...that's it.

thought it would got straight onto our 1966 d200....nope.
i like what it is...but we're only halfway there.
it would be great to find a source of one of these, rather than
hunt for that rare donor truck.

until i get a bushing, its going to lean up against a wall in the tv room,
which is cool, but i'd rather put it on the truck.
help!

cheers,
joel

[OregonDodgeboy]

By just what I see, someone with a little bit of fab skills could reproduce that. It looks like just a section of thick wall tubing with a notch cut out of it and inserted into the tailgate. The corresponding tab attached to the bed would probably be the harder of the two pieces to make. But I'd bet that someone could make a few bucks on 'em if they repopped them.

[soopernaut]

On the newer trucks they are slightly different, at least mine is. The holes on the sides of the tailgate are the same size, one just has a slot at a 45* angle. The pivots are also the same diameter but one is thin enough to fit through the slot. Something like that may be even easier to make because it wouldn't require the thick wall tubing. You could just modify the existing tailgate.

[OregonDodgeboy]

Yes, that might work better. If you took one side's pivot pin (for lack of a better way to describe it), and cut a small part of it off, just enough to make it oblong, say, 1/2" narrower, with the correct sized notch in the existing gate, it's an easy win.

[nfury8]

Perfect timing! I was just about to post up and ask for pictures of one!
I think I am going to have to get medieval in order to remove the tailgate
from my donor shortbed. This helps me know where and how to whack!

[HellBelly]

I've busted a couple Chinese made impact screw driver tips to obilivion trying to get two tail gates off of my parts trucks. Finally had to cut the pivot coupler with a tiger saw and move on with life... Hated to do it but time was a factor and i was out of it!

[soopernaut]

I've busted a couple Chinese made impact screw driver tips to obilivion trying to get two tail gates off of my parts trucks. Finally had to cut the pivot coupler with a tiger saw and move on with life... Hated to do it but time was a factor and i was out of it!

Those are always a pain to get out but I would've drilled into the screws.

[HellBelly]

Yep, that would have been the next choice.... but... time was not with me that day.. They had to come off right then..

[BigG]

Thanks for the info. I'll be looking for these from now on. A special thank you to Chris in Indiana!

[dodgeboykim]

I replaced the countersunk head bolts with countersunk socket head stainless steel versions coated in anti seize. They come out easily even after being in for a few years.

[exline]

thanks for posting the pictures.
i would make these parts if i could get a few measurements. i am sure it could be done fairly cheap.
sure would make it easier removing the tailgate.

[wally426ci]

Kenny, it would be awesome if you had these available with the option for the "no removal" stock hinges as well. I had an NOS one I should have kept.... I'll keep a look out.