Anybody have a swing gate on early bronco?

[Gupster88]

Was wondering if anyone has ever experimented converting the tailgate on an early Bronco to a swing gate? If so. Let’s see a pic. Was toying around with trying it…

 

[gnpenning]

Seems to me awhile back there were some pictures of a couple in south America that latched in the center. Hopefully someone will have a link or information on their conversation.

 

[m_m70]

here you go.......

https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threads/custom-tailgate-ideas-lets-see-them.281192/

 

[Gupster88]

These look cool. Any full gate swing with single hinge on one side? Not sure if singles would support the weight but….. ?

 

[DirtDonk]

I’m sure it’s possible, but I’ve never seen it.
And yes the corner of a bronco body is not very well reinforced and would take a huge beating. They are already notorious for separating corners just from tire carrier mishaps.

 

[DirtDonk]

Fact, isn’t somebody doing some kind of custom tailgate right now? Or was it just a hidden latch?

 

[BGBronco]

The swing-away is interesting to look at but you lose the functionality of the drop-down tailgate. That would be a ton of weight on the fender AND you would lose the same tailgate functionality and you would need a ton of space to open/close it in a parking lot!

When I repainted my Bronco, I removed the spare tire carrier because it impacted ready-access to the tailgate. Never had a flat tire, so I know one is coming now!

 

[amfw]

The swing-away is interesting to look at but you lose the functionality of the drop-down tailgate. That would be a ton of weight on the fender AND you would lose the same tailgate functionality and you would need a ton of space to open/close it in a parking lot!

When I repainted my Bronco, I removed the spare tire carrier because it impacted ready-access to the tailgate. Never had a flat tire, so I know one is coming now!

I agree. I had the swing away tire carrier on my 76 and it definitely made access to the rear gate a pain when parked on the street or in a lot. I'm not sure what is gained in going swing out vs drop down other than the fact that you can say you did it (which can be plenty reason). I saw a guy on FB that did a soft open drop down gate, thought that was pretty sweet..

 

[TNcowboy]

Here's one from SC a few years ago

 

[amfw]

Here's one from SC a few years ago

That is sweet and well done! Marrying it to the top is a nice move. Also splitting them takes care of some of the clearance and weight issues mentioned above.

 

[sprdv1]

here you go.......

https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threads/custom-tailgate-ideas-lets-see-them.281192/

The one I was thinking of..

 

[sprdv1]

Here's one from SC a few years ago

Super Celebration, where You see it ALL good stuff

 

[Madgyver]

not a swing out but a tailgate salvage that i recently did.

 

[sprdv1]

not a swing out but a tailgate salvage that i recently did.

and nicely done as always