Studebaker Wagonaire Tailgate Types - Step & Non-Step Tailgates?

[Studes-Australia]

Hello Everyone,

I am writing in regards to the ongoing debate concerning Wagonaire tailgates having special reinforcement when optioned with tailgate step kits from the factory. My 1963 Daytona Wagonaire was not optioned with a tailgate step from the factory but does include slots for the mounting on the inside (top) of the tailgate. I ask whether this internal mounting is common across all Wagonaire (63-66) tailgates? More importantly we have the question of the "special reinforcement" across numerous threads. I have not seen in any of these threads a proper description or any imagery of what or how this is incorporated into the design of tailgates. I have added images of my own tailgate to emphasise what I would believe to be a standard Wagonaire tailgate (due to this not being optioned with a step kit from the factory). However upon closer inspection I discovered a long solid brace mounted across the inside top of the gate (covering the same area in which the mounting slots for the step kits are located). This appears to be very solid and located in an ideal position to reinforce any additional weight added to the top edge of the tailgate. Could this be the supposed "special reinforcement"? My Wagonaire has a factory electric rear window so perhaps this could have something to do with strengthening for that particular option? I realise this is a very specific request and appreciate any feedback or suggestions.

It would be great to start a more in depth discussion for our Wagonaire owners, many of which I have read have been seeking this information for some time.

Kind regards,
Mitchell Arbrew
Melbourne, Australia.

[2R5]

I have a 65 Daytona Wagonaire with the step which was standard on the Daytona model . I have had it totally apart a couple times and there doesn’t seem to be any special bracing . To me I think where the most stress is is at the 4 top bolts that hold it in place ....just my opinion.

[57pack]

I also have had the tailgate apart multiple time on my 1965 Daytona Wagonaire.
My Wagonaire has the step and electric rear window. Other than the top piece that the step is attached to by the screws, never noticed any other reinforcement. Other than the internal brace that the window regulator and lift motor are attached to.

[StudeRich]

I am surprised that no one has consulted the "BIBLE" to get the REAL Story instead of hearsay about how many Wagonaire Tailgates there were!

The '59-'64 Studebaker Body Parts Catalog shows no re-enforcements in the Tailgate view, but more importantly does show that there were 2 Tailgates, 1352222 was only used on '63's, and 1356771 was used on '64's and presumably on '65/'66.

There were too many trim options on these to make one for the Daytona Moulding and another for the Block Letters and or script changes plus the Wagons/Wagonaires script add/delete, so it may very well be the difference is that re-enforcement was either added or deleted.
So that tells us that all the Trim holes were drilled with a Template on the Body Line, and replacements would include a paper copy of that Template.

The only visible change I know of, is the change from Gold to Chrome "Wagonaire" Nameplates, which would not require any change to the tailgate.

[(S)]

Some have no 'dimpled holes' in the shell . Some have no hardware inside the tailgate to mount to. I think some changes were made but samples are kind of tough to find. I do know I can grab one and squeeze it together. The same type of 'Load' is applied if a step is added, so maybe tread lightly if you add one.


The gauge of metal of the brace would be the thing to 'change' to make it stronger without modifications, which maybe they did. ?