Fabrication thoughts.
 

I must fabricate a tailgate similar, not exact, to this. I was wondering if any fabricators/builders would like to take a guess at the width and thickness of the flat bar supports, what thickness the plate would be and if anyone has ever seen hinges like that As always, thanks

http://https://1drv.ms/u/s!AhcOsARYS...XTOyO?e=RBZzdM

tailgate
 

I'm starting to day on fabricating a tailgate for my C60L, I'll take pictures and post a thread detailing the progress. I just picked up an 82 inch by 32 inch 14 gauge sheet yesterday and I want to get the brake light and step holes water jet cut for accuracy and presentation.

One of the best things I have found for figuring this kind of stuff out is a digital caliper. Once was they were pretty expensive...a Mitutoyo could run you a few hundred$$. But now they are a $20 item coming out of China. They will read in decimals or in mms. In North America, the decimals are more likely to net results. There is a little tail on the micrometer that can be used as a depth gauge. Get the measurement, then off to a google search and see what gauge metal you need.



They also make a good scribe when you are making boxes etc, as long as you are working with edges shorter than 6". Use your $20 set for scribing purposes rather than your Mitutoyo.

gate
 

thanks look forward to it.

Not universal but.......
 

Hi Scott

....standard practice at the time is usually 14 gauge for sides and tail gate with 12 gauge for the floor. Tailgates usually sport standard stock strapping in 1/4 inch thickness from one inch wide to two inches with hand rivets. Hinges being curved hand made 1/4 thick using varying width up to 2 inches. Hinges are done with 1/2 stock rod drilled with cotter pins to keep them inplace.

You say a tailgate similar but not like the one pictured..... what was that picture from????

Good source of basic info would be contained in the AEDB books that are available on this Forum...... remember that square tubingwas not common in that area instead the famous hat shaped form.... a square with one side open was the trick of the day...... Mig welding can approx. gas welding of the time.

do you have any dimensions for the wide of the box that will fit your Ford model????

What part of Penn. are you located in...? I am just North of the upper NY border.

Currently working on repairing a 1940 cab 11 cargo box including doing an exact copy of a totally wrecked tailgate....rivets and all. If I can be of any help let me know. I rely on local steel fabricators to precut and bend the parts and do the welding and tweaking to fit.

Cheers

gate.
 

thanks for the details.
scott

gate.
 

Bob i am in Hawley P.A. Sorry to get back to you late. I have not check in. What 1940 cab are you working on. I am building a 1940 ford 1/2 pickup lrdg pilot car. I don't have a good photo of he tailgate but it is not ford and seems much like the photo i posted with 6 2" flat bar supports. I guess they a rivited to another set on the inside? The hindge are the same. The tailgate is 47" long no channal at all, just the flatbar.
scott

The above picture is of the LRDG truck at the Imperial War Museum.

Here is a link for a pile more pictures

https://survivor79.smugmug.com/MILITARY-VEHICLES/LRDG/

gate
 

Thanks for the link