year tailgate?

86F150302 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-29-2008, 10:38 PM

What year will fit 80-96 or just 80-86?

Franklin2 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-29-2008, 11:09 PM

In overall dimensions, the tailgates are the same. But through the years they used different brackets, cables, etc. that make interchange a pain in the neck. It's easier to stay close to the same year you already have, but other years can be made to work.

Sycostang67 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 12:54 AM

I've done the swap before, and it's not terribly hard, but it is easier if you find a compatible tailgate.

86F150302 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 12:00 PM

ok thanks. Going to the junkyard in a few mins.

RockWVU · #5 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 09:31 PM

What does the 87-96 tailgate look like on the 80-86? Anyone have pics?
I"m on my second generic that has split apart on me.
I dont know whether to buy a new OEM $$$$ another generic, or find a new style. The old style in good shape is very difficult to find.

uncle.stosh · #6 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockWVU

The old style in good shape is very difficult to find.

Yes, they are....

But I found 3 of them OEM. One on my truck, and two spares.

Sycostang67 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockWVU

What does the 87-96 tailgate look like on the 80-86? Anyone have pics?
I"m on my second generic that has split apart on me.
I dont know whether to buy a new OEM $$$$ another generic, or find a new style. The old style in good shape is very difficult to find.

Here's a pic when I had tailgate from a 95' mounted on my 85' bed.

daybreaker · #8 (**permalink**) 02-17-2009, 07:26 AM

How much modification was required I am currently an with out a welder

81-F-150-Explorer · #9 (**permalink**) 02-17-2009, 03:08 PM

Just for the sake of Completion...

There were three tailgates for the 1980-1986.

1980-1982: EOTZ-9940700-A For use with Metal Support Arms.

1983-1986: E3TZ-9940700-A For use with Support Cables.

And A Service Part that fits both, 1980-1986 but I do not have the number for it.

Just something to think about when you go to the wreckers.

daybreaker · #10 (**permalink**) 02-17-2009, 03:58 PM

thanks Ill keep that in mind

Sycostang67 · #11 (**permalink**) 02-18-2009, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daybreaker

How much modification was required I am currently an with out a welder

No welding, just some drilling.

paredneck33 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-22-2009, 03:29 AM

the last time i checked you could get repop tailgates made from o.e. tooling and specs from D.C.. And i was wondering if anyone has bought on of his gates and if they are really worth the $400 he charges. I'd really like to find a nice o.e.m gate, but that just about impossible to do. And since I'm restoring my 86 f150 i'd really like to have atleast a factory looking gate complete with the stamped name on the truck.

srercrcr · #13 (**permalink**) 02-22-2009, 05:37 AM

The F Series trucks were probably the most produced vehicle ever....I think you can find a tailgate somehere within driving range with web assistance.

NumberDummy · #14 (**permalink**) 02-22-2009, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 81-F-150-Explorer

There were three (two) tailgates for the 1980-1986 F100/350 Styleside Pickups.

1980-1982: EOTZ9940700A For use with Metal Support Arms / Obsolete

WESLEY OBSOLETE PARTS in Liberty KY has SIX = 606-787-5293.

GREEN SALES CO. in Cincinnati OH has TWO = 800-549-4959.

No Ford dealer, or other obsolete parts vendor has any.
-----------------------------------------------------------
1983-1986: E5TZ9940700B > > replaced > > E3TZ9940700A / For use with Support Cables / Obsolete

WESLEY OBSOLETE PARTS has FIVE.

GREEN SALES CO. has ONE.

PIEDMONT FORD TRUCK SALES in Greensboro NC has ONE = 336-668-2401.

BOWMAN FORD SALES in Bowman ND has ONE (no # listed).

MANDERBACH FORD in Temple PA has ONE = 888-225-4364.

No other Ford Dealer or obsolete parts vendor has any.
--------------------------------------------------------
And A Service Part that fits both, 1980-1986 but I do not have the number for it.
There's no such thing, just these two tailgates for '80/86's.

Any part sold by a Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer's parts department is a SERVICE PART, as that's what new replacement parts are refered to as.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E7TZ9940700A .. Tailgate / Fits 1987/91 F150/350 Styleside Pickups / Obsolete

There'a a whole bunch of these still available at Ford Dealers and obsolete parts vendors.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F2TZ9940700A .. Tailgate / Fits: 1992/96 F150 & F250 (Not Super Duty) Styleside Pickups.

Available from Ford / MSRP: $652.48 // FTEpartsguy.com price: $469.79.

When you type Ford part numbers into websites, remove any spaces or hyphens, otherwise you'll get: NO PARTS FOUND.

EDIT: Look at places that sell Camper Shells, slide in Campers and Tonneau Covers.

Many will have BRAND NEW or nearly new take-off tailgates.

Around here in LA LA Land, there are 100's of these places, with 100's of take-off tailgates for 1980 and later F150/350's and Rangers.

fellro86 · #15 (**permalink**) 02-22-2009, 09:45 AM

If you just have a caes of the spot welds tearing out,t hey aren't that hard to fix. Just drill a hole through the outer part, and weld back to the frame that joins the inside to the outside. I did mine a while back, and if it weren't for the one mount totally rusting off, i would still be using it. I used to use the tail gate like a work bench when I was scrapping things. I did move in to the curve of the inner structure a bit to get away from the edge more.