Hey fred the best way i found to keep tailgates from rusting is to drill some 3/8 (i believe) holes in the sides of the tailgate. The parts where the tailgate is "boxed in" (my 62 only needed 1 hole on each side yours may need 2 on each side 1 at near top and one near the bottom)that's how tailgates rust from the inside out. And spray or even tip tailgate on it's side and pour some undercoating oil inside. Then get rubber plugs to put over holes. This will help keep the moisture from attacking the steel from the inside out. Plus you won't even harldy notice the plugs are there. And you won't see them for sure with the tailgate closed. *Note it is wise do to this AFTER you have painted the outside of the tailgate. Hope this all made sense
I mean what's better, 2 or 4 small rubber plugs that ya don't even really notice or a rusted tailgate?
