tailgate opening measurement please!!!?

[bigbadchev72]

I have a 68 longbox that I cut down to a short box, the bedfloor was dipped in a few places, so I disassembled the bed so that I could beat the floor flat. I am about to weld the corners back into the bedfloor and forgot to take measurements for the opening.

I would like to get factory spacing correct so that the tailgate gaps are good.

Will someone please measure between the stake pocket posts inside the bed at the top and at the bottom and let me know what they are please?

[AussieinNC]

I dont trust measurements as the tailgates are rarely the exact same width....

Bolt the bedsides in place, but leave the bolts just snugged up...mount the tailgate and hinges and set the clearances to suit the gate you are using.

Finally tighten down the rear bed to cross beam bolts. Make sure you use a flat washer under the bolt head to increase the clamping load on the bolts.

A lot of the time, I dont need to weld the bottom joints of the bed to the cross beam...depends on whether the bed has been painted yet or not...

[72_swb]

^ good info. I didn't weld mine. It's just fine. But im not sure if the wood beds came welded or not.