Which model years have the same tailgate as my '96 K1500?

[jim535]

The tailgate on my '96 K1500 rusted through - so badly that the hinge is about to detach from the tailgate.

 

I'm going to call some wreckers to see if I can find a rust-free tailgate. Does anybody know which model years will have the same tailgate as my '96? I would think The '97 - 99 model years should be OK. But what about earlier model years?

[SouthernSilveradoGuy85]

88-98 will fit, but some years had the big "CHEVROLET" which can come off and I can't think of which year range it was on there.

[sputtle]

^^^ Sounds about right. For an extra check, take some quick measurements and write them down. Measure the tailgate panel width, panel height and the center of the hinge bolt/stud to the center of the latch. Eyeball the latch size, if you want. If all that stuff measures the same on what you buy, I think you can be very confident it's the exact same part.

[2018GMC]

Yes any 1988 - 1998 gmt400 generation tailgate will fit. GM was cranking this body style out for 10 years. I would think a decent junkyard tailgate could be found fo $60 or less. But then again tailgates are usually the one of the first parts on a truck to get used hard and abused.

 

A reproduction made in China will cost you $100 + shipping.

 

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cd/full.aspx?Page=21

[jim535]

Thanks guys! Kind of a delayed response on my part. I think I've found a tailgate from a private seller. Right colour and a '96 too! Will go see it on the weekend.