'83 tailgate question

[PetesPonies]

Is there a bushing in the tailgate where it pivots? I see them for later years, but hadn't seen anything for the first gens. The tailgate is loose without anything . . so?

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Yes, there is a bushing in the passenger side pivot point. I've had a lot of trouble locating one for my 87, and everything the parts stores had wouldn't come close to fitting correctly. I ended up going to the junkyard and grabbing every single one they had. I'm keeping them all for back-up since they're so old I figure they'll break in short order..

 

[PetesPonies]

I'm finishing up my redo I need to find one. Anyone?

 

[PetesPonies]

Shot the base on the bed today, clear tomorrow.

 

[8thTon]

Very nice!

 

[Bird76Mojo]

She's a looker!

 

[PetesPonies]

Thanks guys. 76mojo . . are you willing to sell one? or at the least loan me one? I have made molds of parts before and could possibly make a mold and produce a few. We could start with a couple close up pics so I can see exactly what I'm dealing with. Hope you're willing to help.

 

[Shran]

Truck looks awesome! Wish I had the part you're looking for, both of my tailgates are missing that stupid thing.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

The bushing seems like something a 3d printer could do. I don't know if the plastic would hold up. But easy enough to print another.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

The bushing seems like something a 3d printer could do. I don't know if the plastic would hold up. But easy enough to print another.

I was in some college classes recently, and we did a TON of 3D printing. That plastic is tough as nails. When entering your design in to Cura or whatever software you use to create the G-code for the printer, the user would only need to be sure they selected the option to NOT make the part hollow with internal supports. Make it a completely solid piece and it would outlast the truck pretty easily. It would be hard on the paint though, as it's quite abrasive, though you could likely coat it with a dry lube and have no problems..

Given the measurements, if I was still in those college classes, I could whip up the 3D part using Inventor in less than 30 minutes easily.

Sorry, but I can't loan anything out. It's not hard to prototype parts such as this just by using your own measurements. IF you want it bad enough. I'm currently doing that with a Sport Trac front brake conversion because no one would lend me their brackets, or make me a set for $$$..

 

[PetesPonies]

The bushing seems like something a 3d printer could do. I don't know if the plastic would hold up. But easy enough to print another.

A 3d printer would be one of my options. But it's not as easy as it sounds. I very detailed drawing and file is needed. I can do that, but my first option would be a mold. Less time involved that doing the CAD drawing.

 

[PetesPonies]

I was in some college classes recently, and we did a TON of 3D printing. That plastic is tough as nails. When entering your design in to Cura or whatever software you use to create the G-code for the printer, the user would only need to be sure they selected the option to NOT make the part hollow with internal supports. Make it a completely solid piece and it would outlast the truck pretty easily. It would be hard on the paint though, as it's quite abrasive, though you could likely coat it with a dry lube and have no problems..

Given the measurements, if I was still in those college classes, I could whip up the 3D part using Inventor in less than 30 minutes easily.

Sorry, but I can't loan anything out. It's not hard to prototype parts such as this just by using your own measurements. IF you want it bad enough. I'm currently doing that with a Sport Trac front brake conversion because no one would lend me their brackets, or make me a set for $$$..

As a retired Auto , Engineering and Architecture teacher, I am disappointed with your response. How do we help each other if not for small things like this? Really disappointed in your response . .later

 

[Shran]

LMC allegedly has these. I'm not sure why but the part says it only fits 89-92? As far as I know the tailgates and hinges from 83-92 are all the same. Their book even confirms that. Perhaps a typo, wouldn't be the first time.

 

[PetesPonies]

LMC allegedly has these. I'm not sure why but the part says it only fits 89-92? As far as I know the tailgates and hinges from 83-92 are all the same. Their book even confirms that. Perhaps a typo, wouldn't be the first time.

I haven't seen them anywhere and I have been cross referencing part numbers. If LMC had the right piece, you'd think it would show up at least somewhere else? I took some measurements today and I think I'll give it a try. Would be nice if I had one to see , by pic or in hand. But God . . these must be so valuable and who am I to trust right ?? LOL too much . . the younger generation is shit. Quote me on that.

 

[1qaz]

Pete, I'm working on my tailgate as well. Here's a pic of what I think you're looking for. I picked mine up at a salvage yard a couple years back. If you need a different angle or something else, let me know and I'll post it for you.