Tailgate alignment

[walkercreekbronco]

After hitting a cow on the road, I took the Bronco apart for repair. Because of rust, I ended up having to replace not only the core support and inner fenders, but also the drivers door post, floor pan, inner kick panel, and rocker panel.

Since there was collision damage, I didn't take any measurements before taking apart.

Now I'm ready to line all the new stuff up, and the tailgate won't shut unless I pull the bedsides together with a ratchet strap.

Any ideas? I want everything lined up before I weld anything into place. (The top is on).

 

[STLKIKN]

Hmmm,

Loosen the bolts holding the top on, ratchet the box sides together at front and rear of the box. Make sure the box sides are parallel. Check the rear hatch to roof alignment with the roof loose, Making sure the gap is even all around. Check the gate to see if it will open and close nicely. Give the straps another "click" and tack all in place. Loosen the straps and recheck all alignments, and the hatch and gates ability to open and close.

Recheck the gaps and clearances often as you are welding (use stitch welds)

Good luck.

 

[gravelgerty]

Been there did that, take the top off first. Dont weld anything solid! till you pull everything in place. Use comealongs, jacks, whatever it takes to get everything lined up then tack everything in place, weld at least two braces on each component that your pushing or pulling. Then start to stitch weld, keep moving around so you don't get too much heat build-up,trust me the extra time it takes will be well worth it! Once the doors,tailgate,etc. are lined up you will not have to worry about the top lining up.