1973-79 tailgate fit 1985?

[Ned Kelly]

Would a 1973-79 tailgate be a direct swap on to a 1985 bed?
My '85 is rusted out and a fellow about 50 miles away has a rust free '79 tailgate.
I'm not too worried about the body line contours lining up perfectly, but I don't know if the mounting system and latch are the same?

 

[sweetk30]

put a 80 t-gate on a buddys mid 80's box no problems.

 

[nvrenuf]

Be sure to get the hinges and hardware, they changed at the same time the logo moved.

 

[Ned Kelly]

I haven't seen made the drive yet. Seller says no hardware, just a tailgate sitting in his shed. I'll check LMC for possible hardware.

 

[nvrenuf]

I'd think all of the rubber bumpers and the straps are interchangeable. For sure the diameter of the cup-like hinges changed.

 

[Ned Kelly]

Good to know those differences. Thanks.