Tailgate step on Wagons

[LeoH]

I assume they were available on on the wagonaires only but, after seeing a picture of one I got to wondering about the strength of the tailgate hinges and could you add something like this to any year wagon, or were the wagonaire tailgates constructed differently in order to stand up[sic] to the folding step option offered?

Just curious, I have no plans to add one to my '60.

[Buzzard]

Buy a new Ford F150 and pretend Studebaker didn't invent it. While we're at it, what about Subaru's claim to be the first with a hill-holder a few years back?
Bill

[StudeRich]

There is probably more stress on the Tailgate support arms than the actual Hinges, I think those would be the issue.

[57pack]

Had my tailgate completely apart and I can tell you they are well built.
Mine has the step and it's been used with no signs of stress or weakness.
Looks way stronger than the cable supports on my GMC tailgate. And I've had a 283 block sitting on that. Yes, I was nervous!
One last thing, be careful working on the Wagonaire tailgate...don't mess with that torsion spring!
It can really mess up your fingers and hand up fast!

[Commander Eddie]

When I was a kid my family had a 1960 Lark wagon and we used to jump up and down on the tailgate all the time. At the drive-in movies there would be 3 of us sitting on the thing watching the movie. I think they are plenty strong enough to handle a ladder.

[LeoH]

I kind of was thinking what you were Rich, but at the same time, I'm aware they were offered as options on the later wagons, so it got me wondering.

[LeoH]

So when were torsion springs added to the tailgates? 62 or 63 when the window went down into the tailgate?

[studegary]

Keep in mind that those steps have a mount that is curved to the contour of the tailgate. It will not match up to earlier wagons.

[LeoH]

Keep in mind that those steps have a mount that is curved to the contour of the tailgate. It will not match up to earlier wagons.

Vaguely I recall what you're describing.

[57pack]

So when were torsion springs added to the tailgates? 62 or 63 when the window went down into the tailgate?

We had a 1963 Lark Daytona Wagonaire years ago and loved it. It had a power rear window and so does our "new"65 Wagonaire. Both have the torsion spring. Don't mess with those two bolts down on the bottom left of tailgate jam!
It's like a coiled snake, ready to jump out and bite you!