M416 Tailgate??

[Michigan4x4]

I have an M416 that I am trying to modify. I have looked through this forum for the last year or so and have got many ideas but I am looking for more specifics on tailgate mods.
The PO of my trailer torch cut out the rear panel with intentions of fabbing up a tailgate (His work is not the greatest as he cut more from one side than the other) As you can see below, he never finished the tailgate and I bought the trailer and rear panel piece from him for a good price. I wish he had not cut the trailer up, but since he did, my options are limited.
I am looking for photos and a quick explanation of how you fabbed your tailgate, and if/where you strengthened the sides of the tub, latches, cross braces etc. I am a visual person just looking for ideas. I am also a novice when it comes to metal work...so, the more explanations and photos, the better! I have attached photos of what I have to work with......Ideas, opinions, suggestions are all welcome. Please save the "You don't need a tailgate" lecture. If the PO hadn't cut the rear panel, I would not be adding a tailgate... I guess I could just weld in a new back panel cut from sheet metal but I do see how a tailgate would be useful.. So a tailgate it is!!

Thanks and I appreciate any and all photos, diagrams, write-ups etc...
Jeff

 

[95RRC]

I would make your own frame out of angle iron, or box...wrap the tailgate piece you have in it and then do a simple rod hinge piece...there are some pretty good ideas on the site...

 

[hesterj]

Your tailgate seems to be cut out by the same bubba who got ahold of my trailer.
I showed the way mine was tackled on my build thread over on jeepforum if you want to take a look at it.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f104/my-little-m416-1209794/index9.html

The tailgate starts at the bottom of page 9. Good luck with the build!

 

[highlandercj-7]

I'd box around it with 1" square tube then hinge the bottom like a CJ.

 

[Mark Harley]

I would fab it like the tailgate on a Manley trailer.
http://www.manleyorv.com/

 

[Chili]

I'd box around it with 1" square tube then hinge the bottom like a CJ.

I agree.

 

[hesterj]

You could build a frame out of square stock and inset the old sheet metal inside the frame like mine. It was really easy to do. Best of all you retain the factory beads that were rolled into the metal to help tie it all together.

I am not smart enough to insert a pic here with my iphone. If you want to see more,scroll down to the bottom of this link.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f104/my-little-m416-1209794/index9.html

 

[hesterj]

You can build a frame out of square stock and just use the old sheet metal as the filler. Best thing is you get to keep the factory rolled bead to help tie the whole look together.
.....please overlook the paint and the tack welds. She looks a lot better these days.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/atta...345430051-my-little-m416-image-4192082503.jpg

 

[Michigan4x4]

Thanks... appreciate all the help. If anyone has more photos or links to specific tailgate builds I would appreciate it.

Thanks
Jeff

 

[Michigan4x4]

Hesterj... Looks like a nice stout Tailgate. That is what I am looking for.

 

[hesterj]

Thank you for the kind words.