Tailgates on 73-80 GM trucks

[Brian]

Is there an identification guide for tailgates? I am lookin for a tailgate for my 76 GMC. My original gate was tossed long ago. I dont remember if the "GMC" was in the middle or off to the side. I just found a gate with the GMC in the middle but it did not fit my recently aquired 75 bed. The bed is off a Chevrolet so it does not have the gate i want

. So is it safe to assume I need a gate with the GMC off to the side? I know the older gates had built in mounts unlike the newer gates with bolt on mounts, I did not know the latch mechanism was differant as well. UGH!!!!

[fenderbender]

The easy thing to do is buy an aftermarket tailgate. You might can buy a new one cheaper than a used one

[Brian]

Aftermarket parts are not an option for my truck. My last resort will be to use the good Chevy gate I have and put a chrome finish panel on it that says "GMC".

[Bender]

I bought an aftermarket tailgate once and it was a complete piece of garbage.  I either threw it away or gave it away, can’t remember.  On the subject, I used to have an aftermarket hood on my truck.  It actually bent one day when I went to close the hood.