Tailgates

Tom's Offroad carries early Bronco tailgate components including the tailgate panel, latch and handle hardware, hinges, chains, weatherstripping, and glass. The tailgate is one of the most rust-prone areas on the early Bronco due to moisture accumulation at the lower edge and inner skin. Replacement panels and hardware are available for restoring both the function and appearance of a rusted or damaged tailgate.

The early Bronco tailgate opens by pulling the exterior handle out and to the passenger side, which releases the latchs at the top of the gate, allowing it to swing down on its hinges. Tailgate supports on either side limit how far the gate swings open. If the handle is stiff or the latch won't release, lubricate the latch mechanism with penetrating oil and check for bent or misaligned striker hardware at the body opening. A twisted body tub can make tailgate operation difficult.

A sagging early Bronco tailgate is typically caused by worn pivots or tailgate itself. The hinges are located at the bottom of the gate and are prone to wear from the repeated weight of opening and closing. Inspect components and replace as needed to restore proper gate alignment. Tom's Offroad carries tailgate hinge hardware specifically for the early Bronco.

Preventing tailgate rust on the early Bronco requires keeping the tailgate clean and the drain holes open on the bottom of the tailgate. Unfortunately, nothing can prevent moisture from entering this cavity, so avoiding coastal regions will be helpful. Waxing the exterior of the gate regularly and ensuring the weatherstrip seal is intact to prevent water pooling inside the gate cavity also helps significantly.

Early Bronco tailgate hardware includes the latch assembly, exterior handle, tailgate supports with mounting brackets, and pivots. Correct reproduction hardware in chrome or stainless is available through Tom's Offroad. Using stainless hardware on the tailgate is a practical upgrade that eliminates rust on these highly visible fasteners and reduces the maintenance needed to keep the gate looking clean.