41 pickup tailgate dilema

[oldrelics]

So heres my dilema: The original tailgate was manufactured with a "truss type" top rail, which means its tapered from both sides to the center of the gate. This gave it strength in the open position. I see on the reproduction gates it appears to be the same size tube all the way accross the top.

So I emailed Northern Classic Trucks and ask them about the top rail and they replied by email:
"It is designed as original as we have to be licensed by Ford Motor Company to sell them."

Can anybody confirm if the reproduction gate has the "truss type" top rail?

[oldrelics]

anybody have a tailgate?

[41ford1]

The tailgate on mine is a '40 style with the Ford script and V8. I thought the only difference between '40 and '41 was the lack of the V8 on '41. It has a straight tube top rail

[Scott H]

you might need to wait a bit for enough people to log in and view your question..I've got a '35 and a '36 tailgate so they are no help to you.

[Floyd]

You are correct in that the top rail is flattened to add section modulus for stiffness. Northern Classic does have a way to flatten that section in their excellent reproduction bed for 40 and 41 without the logo. I do not think the other vendor flattens that section. I had an interesting discussion with Todd about how he figured out how to do that. As a fellow tooling guy, I cannot tell his "trade secret". The beds he makes are terrific.
Just an opinion
Floyd

[Cecil/WV]

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I have an original tailgate and a Northern Classic reproduction tailgate. I think I will compare them. They are both from a '40.

[TJ]

My V-8 buddy has Northeren Classic tailgate on his pickup and it's made just like the original with the tapered ends.

[Bob G/Spanaway]

I got one from Howell's and the top rail is wider in the middle.
Very nice workmanship by the way.

[Bob G/Spanaway]

Should've said got one for my '40.

[George G]

Originally Posted by oldrelics

anybody have a tailgate?

Might have one, but it will need a bunch of work. You have any extras? I'm just starting on a 40 truck project.



George
Stony Plain
[email protected]

[oldrelics]

Originally Posted by George G

Might have one, but it will need a bunch of work. You have any extras? I'm just starting on a 40 truck project.



George
Stony Plain
[email protected]

No, I don't want a used one, I have that. I have extra other 40-41 parts. You should post pics of yours!

[Bruce in southern OH]

40 pickup gate


41 pickup gate


40 Pickup gate


Hope this helps,

[oldrelics]

Yours looks straight accross...reproduction?

Originally Posted by Bruce in southern OH

40 pickup gate


41 pickup gate


40 Pickup gate


Hope this helps,