Body Tailgate Question

[Scout1067]

Has anybody converted the tailgate on their CJ7 from opening like a truck to swinging open?
I am considering trying to mod mine in this fashion. My idea is that I can permanently attach the tailgate to the stock spare tire carrier such that they open as a unit or alternately I could mount separate hinges on the same side as the spare tire carrier. I would guess I would need to reinforce the tire carrier mount points but I don't see that as being a showstopper.

The biggest issue I see is it might be difficult to get open because of the window on my hard top. There has to be a way to do this though, maybe I just need to put some more thought into it.

 

[caveman]

What you need is a YJ tailgate. They swing from the side. I converted my YJ tub to a CJ drop tailgate because I like the idea of having a table/workbench available when I want it. It shouldn't be any harder to convert it the other way.

 

[Manic Mechanic]

beat me to it caveman

 

[RangerRick]

YJ or TJ tailgate will work. I have seen both done and they both work out OK. You need the bracket with the "knob" part for the latch and backing plates for the hinges to work that fits the tub as well. All that stuff fits with minor modifications since the main dimensions on all CJ7 's, YJ's & TJ tubs are pretty much the same. Like some said above, I prefer the drop down as a cook top & sleeping platform extension when camping. However the benefit of the later swing open gate style is the latch and lock plus they secure the rear glass or windows better on the later "Wrangler" tubs & fiberglass tops. They also make a table that mounts to the swingout doors for later Wrangler tailgates now that is nifty so 6 & 1/2 dozen I guess!

Heck, I have YJ Wrangler half doors on my CJ and have for decades. Petty much since the YJ Wrangler with half doors was introduced, probably over 30 years now I guess. Half doors and a YJ BesTop Supertop were two of the best "Wrangler" mod additions ever done to my CJ. It just looks right and makes sense!

To each their own though. Even though my CJ is highly modified mechanically with parts from all the big three under her, I like to keep the tub, interior and frame as original CJ as possible. Glass unified gauges, pull vents and all. After all, a real CJ7 tailgate says "Jeep" on it and the latter Wrangler tailgates don't say anything at all. In fact the TJ's have a large vent gizmo in the middle of them since so many were sold with hard tops & full doors.

RR

 

[Scout1067]

Update: I have decided to keep my OEM CJ tailgate. I have two problems one is easy and that is reinforcing the body where tje hinges mount, one side is already rusted through. The other is finding replacement hinges that aren't stiff. I am giving serious thought to modifying a pair of shed door hinges I have as the replacement hinges I bought are as stiff as my 40 year old OEM hinges.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

 

[RangerRick]

Can the hinges be soaked, lubed up and cycled a bunch of times to make them move easier?
RR

 

[Scout1067]

Can the hinges be soaked, lubed up and cycled a bunch of times to make them move easier?
RR

I have tried with no luck. I will probably try again and soak them over the winter because I am not going to get to fixing the tailgate until the spring. I don't do anything but necessary fixes in winter because I hate paying to use a bay and I hate working outside in the cold

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

 

[MattJ]

I would like to see this mod project. Hope the further soaking would work.

 

[Belizean]

Can the hinges be soaked, lubed up and cycled a bunch of times to make them move easier?
RR

I remember my dad over 50 years ago finding a pair of fencing pliers that were almost like welded shut ( actually rusted ) and i think he soaked them several times in baking soda and vinegar for a couple of weeks and slowly got them working again. Eventually working them in oil. Maybe also sand blasting would help.