[xalt]

As many know, until the mid-80s the tailgate had a fold-down number plate and an external handle for the lower portion. Can the lower gate made for 70-84 models just bolt onto a newer model (in this case a 95 soft dash) provided that you replace the catch, I know the reverse can be done?

 

[JS5D]

There is point where they mounted a spring in the hinges to balance the weight of the gate.

I have an 85 with original gate (and the hinged number plate), if you need some specific pictures of the mounting let me know and I post them here.