Funny how some parts just fall in your lap. Today I grabbed this nice looking tailgate off eBay. It will replace the one on SSDutch that has been reinforced with rebar on the outside, and 3/16” treadplate on the inside. I’m not sure what the previous owner used it for (Dick, are you still reading the site?) but I have no need for such a heavy duty setup.
As it turns out the eBay seller is an EarlyCJ5.com member and visitor to this site. The early Jeep world gets smaller all the time!
Note, after referencing this CJ3B site page - this tailgate has the markings of being a reproduction tailgate:
- No cutouts in the upper rolled lip flange
- No footman loop knockouts
I’m not bothered by it - those are details that only a purist is going to note.
The tailgate hinges that came on SSDutch had had the slot welded shut, so I had to unbolt them to remove the tailgate that had been beefed up with 20 pounds of rebar and diamond tread.
Then of course there was rust behind the hinges, so I had to grind down, prime and paint that spot—not fun with the 30 deg. weather here in MI. Once I had the shop warmed up to about 70 it dried a whole lot faster.
I’ve never used Dupli-Color paint before, but I sure don’t like it as much as RustOleum - it seems to take much more paint to flow out. If I didn’t paint the tailgate laying flat I’m not sure I could have avoided runs.
Anyway, it isn’t great, but it’ll do until the body gets attended to and a more professional paint job is applied.
I also got a black “4 Wheel Drive” sticker for the tailgate.
Note to any sign shop employees - if you have a $20 minimum order requirement that’s relatively new, it’d be a good idea to tell that to customers that haven’t been in for a while. I could have bought 3 of these things elsewhere for that kinda money…
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Dick on April 11, 2005
Michael Boyink (Author) on April 11, 2005