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Author Topic: Making A Fold Down Tailgate  (Read 2481 times)

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Spelo

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Making A Fold Down Tailgate
« on: May 27, 2006, 08:23:40 AM »
Well I need a project for this weekend, and this is something that has interested me for a long time.  A few years ago I installed a swing out tire carrier, so no worries there.  I've seen a couple pictures of modified tailgates, but they looked pretty bad.  Hopefully I can do better.

I probably start by dropping the gas tank to reinforce that area of the body for the hinges.  I'll use a couple of chains to secure the tailgate in the up position and support it in the down position, and get rid of the latch/lock.  Similar to the tailgate on a military hummer.  

I'm wondering if the tailgate will need to be reinforced to handle the weight of people sitting on it.  What do you guys think?  Have you seen any good write ups on this?
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Offline Jeffy

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Making A Fold Down Tailgate
« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2006, 10:30:06 AM »
Why reinvent the wheel?  I'd get a CJ tailgate ans use CJ hinges.  Reinforce the hinges with a backing plate.  CJ tailgate has latches and the chains to hold it horizontal already.

I've seeen some people use the stock tailgate (YJ/TJ) and I don't think it looks as good.



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Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZNlr60GXH5OlKIFrT7P6mg
My Jeep: http://4bangerjp.com/forums/index.php?topic=2783.0
"If the motor car were invented today, there is absolutely no way that any government in the world would let normal members of the public drive one."

Spelo

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Making A Fold Down Tailgate
« Reply #2 on: May 27, 2006, 11:32:16 AM »
I thought about that, but it looks like CJ tailgates start at about $100.  I also heard that they latch from the inside, is that true?  It would make it a little tough with the hard top on.  That picture does look good.
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Offline Jeffy

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Making A Fold Down Tailgate
« Reply #3 on: May 27, 2006, 12:21:02 PM »
Well, you can use the stock tailgate with the CJ hinges and cables.  Then you'll be able to latch the rage with the original system.
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Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZNlr60GXH5OlKIFrT7P6mg
My Jeep: http://4bangerjp.com/forums/index.php?topic=2783.0
"If the motor car were invented today, there is absolutely no way that any government in the world would let normal members of the public drive one."

Spelo

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Making A Fold Down Tailgate
« Reply #4 on: May 30, 2006, 04:04:09 PM »
It took me a little longer that I thought, but I finally finished.  I had to make a lot of brackets and reinforce the body at all the mount points.  Dropping the gas tank was a real pain.  


The jeep needs a wash and some paint to cover the old hinge points, but I'm happy with how things turned out.  Let me know that you think.
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Beachbum

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Making A Fold Down Tailgate
« Reply #5 on: May 30, 2006, 05:52:56 PM »
I really like the CJ tailgate on your Jeep, my 91 would look good wih one.
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