90 K5 rear bed/tailgate sheetmetal rebuild? help please Pics added

[gmcjimmy88]

Been awhile since I have been on here or posted. I am about to start rebuilding the rear of my blazer (where the tailgate hinges mount) and was hoping for some assistance. I plan on using sheetmetal (twice as thick as original) bending it into a "C" and merging with the original metal that is still there. I also plan on backing that metal with angle iron spreading the load from both hinges all the way across the back of the bed. My Question is first do you all think that will be sturdy enough? I think it should be fine, it will be stronger than it was originally. My next ? is can someone get me the measurements of the hinges? I need good m,easurements from the bedsides to the hinges, between the hinges, and from the top of the "bed" to where the hinge begins for the height. I may post this seperately if I do not get any replies here. Thanks for the help.

 

[ryoken]

Why not just put a new tailpan in? think they run about $90.. Then just run new sheetmetal to that. It's what I'm doing... It's enough work doing custom floors as is, why try to fabricate a tailpan, when I'm pretty certain it wont do the job as well as a replacement...

 

[gmcjimmy88]

The main reason is I already have to patch many spot in the rear and I have the material. Well honestly I am cheap as hell and I am not building a show truck. Just thinking of something to allow my tailgate to work.

 

[imiceman44]

The main reason is I already have to patch many spot in the rear and I have the material. Well honestly I am cheap as hell and I am not building a show truck. Just thinking of something to allow my tailgate to work.

I would do the same, I wouldn't buy a tail pan.
Unfortunately I scrapped my K5 so I can't help you with measurements

 

[ryoken]

So you guys have access to a break to form up 5' of channel? I don't think the piece is as easy to make as your implying...

Heck, you'd be better off just buying some channel from the steelyard, welding lower pads on it for the bodymounts...

 

[imiceman44]

So you guys have access to a break to form up 5' of channel? I don't think the piece is as easy to make as your implying...

Heck, you'd be better off just buying some channel from the steelyard, welding lower pads on it for the bodymounts...

I am getting one, still shopping fo rthe best deal
I was going o get a combo shear/brake/roller but i am afraid it will not be good enough since it's so cheap.

 

[gmcjimmy88]

I think somehow this got mis-understood. I plan on making the "C" chanel out of sheetmetal with I did tonight. I plan on adding 1/4 inch angle iron to the top and bottom bends to add strength and give me something solid to weld the hinges to. I am pretty sure it will work but I need measurements to finish it up, hopefully this weekend. Thanks

 

[ryoken]

If ya get a chance post some pics....

 

[imiceman44]

I think somehow this got mis-understood. I plan on making the "C" chanel out of sheetmetal with I did tonight. I plan on adding 1/4 inch angle iron to the top and bottom bends to add strength and give me something solid to weld the hinges to. I am pretty sure it will work but I need measurements to finish it up, hopefully this weekend. Thanks

You still use a brake do bend sheetmetal nice and straight.

 

[gmcjimmy88]

You still use a brake do bend sheetmetal nice and straight.

Actually it was a mini sledge and a concrete cinder block . It does not look perfect but the tailgate will cover it LOL. I will try to get some pics tom. and post them on here.

 

[buefchris]

WOW!

 

[gmcjimmy88]

Pics added

I still need to do some finish grinding and some more welding, but it is a start.

 

[hammermachine]

Nice work.

I do have to agree that replacing the entire tailpan would probaly have been easier. Oh well your call, but the work looks good. Keep it up.

 

[gmcjimmy88]

Well the replacement of the entire pan is just me being cheap.

 

[hammermachine]

I understand

Well the replacement of the entire pan is just me being cheap.

Trust me i understand. This hobby is taking more and more funds to make things happen.