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View Full Version : Can I put an 84 Tailgate on my 74?

Grantshire
05-12-2003, 02:00 AM
My son and I spent the weekend removing all the chrome, trim, roof rack and other parts in preparation for the paint shop. We have an 84 parts vehicle with rear window defroster (74 does not). We would like to move the tailgate from the 84 to the 74 and put the defrost switch where the power tailgate glass switch is (converting 74 to manual tailgate). However, the tailgate glass on the 74 has a 1/2" wide chrome trim around it that does not appear to be on the 84 (I will know for sure as soon as I can figure out how to lower the glass without power!). Are these two tailgates interchangeable? How will the trimless 84 glass seal itself in the wider body track of the 74? Help, I need to resolve this before we can have the 74 painted!
Sundowner
05-12-2003, 02:13 AM
you might need to change the latches for the tailgate, I ahd to to put a 90 tailgate on my 78
Grantshire
05-12-2003, 02:54 AM
What about the channel/weatherstripping around the glass? It seems to me that the difference in window thickness along the body weatherstripping would be a problem keeping wind/water out.
Sundowner
05-12-2003, 03:56 AM
the windows are different thickness?
Grantshire
05-12-2003, 04:09 AM
I don't know about the glass thickness but the 74 window has a chrome trim/edging channel about 1/2" thick around the outside of the glass that does not appear to be on the 84. When you raise the window this 1/2" thick/wide chrome strip goes up into the weatherstripping to seal the window.
Crazy_Jeepman
05-12-2003, 04:21 AM
Older Wag glass was thicker, I have never and a problem interchanging though. If you have problems sealing around the glass, pull the seal out of the 84
Retro93
05-12-2003, 04:22 AM
The only real problem will be the latches. :(
kansasplowboy
05-12-2003, 12:45 PM
Grantshire!

If you are going to do away with that tailgate, let me know, I am looking for one with a manual window on the back....I dont know about the shipping, but if it is for sale let me know...Hell, i would even give you the one that is on my GW now for it.

Thanks
Tim
Grantshire
05-13-2003, 12:24 AM
Kansasplowboy,

Believe it or not the 74 has the orginal power rear window setup and it still works! It does get kind of tired near the top and can't quite make it down all the way (some of us have the same problem). I have the manual kit from BJ's to install but will probably do it on the 84 after the swap.