Tailgate wanted

[kilroy]

[*] looking for a tailgate for my 54 M37. Need mounting hardware also. I know these are hard to find. Hope someone knows where one is hiding.

Thanks

[Jess]

Are you looking for good used or new? VPW or Midwest Military may have either. It would also help if you updated your profile so we know where you're at. Shipping to Siberia is different than New York....
If you are in the east, then there are members of this forum that have dismantled vehicles and have parts for sale. They should look in on this post at some point.

[kilroy]

Jess,

Thanks for the info. I will update my profile. I am not from Siberia...although today it feels like it. I'm from Central Wisconsin. I would prefer a used tailgate but if I don't find one by spring I will buy a new one. (VPW). Thanks again for the info...

[Jess]

Thanks for updating your location, it helps us try to help you. Wisconsin may not be Siberia but winter is winter. Where I live, not so much but sometimes I miss the other seasons.

Kilroy, Since you are pretty central, or far away from either east or west? I would suggest trying John Bizal at Midwest Military. He is in Prior Lake and does make new tailgates. VPW will also have them. Neither are inexpensive but still good value. A decent used take off will be around, price will depend on condition. For my project, skills and time, a new tailgate would be good value. If you were not so far east of my location, I could supply a somewhat bent up and rusted tailgate but the shipping would negate any cost saving, never mind the work. One of the other members who frequent this forum, particularly the dry states, may have something for you. Patience is your friend...

Jess

[kilroy]

Found my tailgate! Went on eBay and found one..should be here late next week.

[Jess]

Good news, was it reasonably close to you? Shipping is always a factor in my getting all the parts I need for the remaining lifetimes projects that I have waiting. Someday, my wife will sell off and the next guys will have all of it for next to nothing...

[kilroy]

Not close..Colorado. I live in Wisconsin. It is being shipped by bus...hope to get it soon. At least from the pics it looked straight but needs repainting which is no big deal. I did request a window seat for the tailgate..

[Jess]

Good, you can do lots to make it perfect if you have the patience. I am always amazed by how many trucks and parts cross the country back and forth, likely passing each other somewhere on the way. I got a tailgate from Daniel Tibus when he was in Utah. He knew a guy who could ship it to me in British Columbia and one day about a week later, it was dropped off at my door. No customs, duty, taxes or anything. I can't get anything from the US these days without brokerage, exchange, GST and any other fees that somebody can decide to add on. I still pay through the nose for shipments from places as close as Vancouver and can't figure out how Daniel did it. Too bad he went back to Germany....