Liftgates

Tom's Offroad carries early Bronco liftgate components including the liftgate panel itself, latch and handle hardware, hinges, weatherstripping, and glass for the rear window opening. The liftgate on the early Bronco is a tailgate-style hinged panel at the rear of the body tub. Replacement and restoration hardware is available for all common wear and rust-related liftgate repairs.

The early Bronco liftgate swings down from hinges at the bottom, similar to a truck tailgate. It's held closed by a latch at the top center of the gate, released by a handle on the outside. The liftgate commonly has worn latches, strikers and handle components. They are notoriously noisy from rattles if these components are worn. Tom's has all the replacement parts needed to refresh your liftgate.

Fixing a faulty early Bronco liftgate latch typically involves lubricating the latch mechanism with a graphite or silicone spray, adjusting the striker plate position so the latch engages fully, or replacing the latch assembly if the internal mechanism is broken. Tom's Offroad carries replacement liftgate latches and striker hardware for the early Bronco. A liftgate that won't latch securely is a safety hazard that should be corrected promptly.

Early Bronco liftgates rust most severely at the lower corners and along the bottom edge where moisture collects in the hemmed seam. The moisture gets trapped and accelerate rust from the inside out. Regular inspection and cleaning is the most effective prevention. Heavily rusted liftgate skins can be replaced with reproduction panels from Tom's Offroad.

The early Bronco liftgate can be fitted with a rear glass opening and fixed-pane window, this was the factory option on all hard top configurations. The glass is set in a rubber gasket similar to the windshield and provides rear visibility and weather protection. Tom's Offroad carries the glass, gaskets, and trim needed to add or restore a rear window to an early Bronco liftgate.