I have been looking to replace a stolen tailgate and discovered this website. It turns out they are located near by so I went to check out the product. It looked solid and the price was right! My concern is that I have read here that people have had bad experiences with aftermarket tailgates. Does anyone have any experienve with the parts provide by these guys? I am taking my truck in monday to see how it fits.

John

 

Hev you checked the tailgates here?

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John, yes, I have experience with aftermarket tailgates. If you have any possibility got get an original, new or used one, I would buy one of these.
I bought an aftermarket tailgate this summer an must say: It's horrible! The tailgate fits only after serious metal work. And...the new gate is made of very thin metal, I can't stand on it, it seems to bend under low pressure, -don't put heavie weight on it.

If I could buy a original one - I would buy it.

jens

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 17-Nov-02 AT 10:09 AM (EST)]yo F250_HD_Crew,

I looked here in Motor Haven for a gate and dimensions too, but none are listed for the 97. I looked through the "Sheet metal and Repair Panels" and "Tailgate Parts" sections.

So;
Nearby in Southern NJ there is a shop that specializes in converting Ford PUPs to stake bodies, mini-dumps, etc. They usually have new oem 'gates for sale. Name is Ronald's in Pennsauken, NJ. Look for a similar firm in your area to save on S&H charges.

 

John-

Maybe you want to try http://www.ford-auto-parts-dealer.com.
It was a dealer and they sell OEM parts at 20% below the price Ford would normally sell them at. I was also looking for a tailgate and I believe the manufacturer price was around $339.00 and after 20% off he was going to give me the tailgate for $285.00. However, when he looked at the shipping it was a little over $60.00 and so to even out the shipping he came down to $265.00 for the tailgate and with shipping it's going to cost me around $325.00, not paying any tax and it's delivered to my door 2nd day. Again, this is an OEM tailgate.
I had the same problem with the aftermarket tailgate that WAS on my truck, hence the need to replace it!

AIM- I've been looking around for somewhere in NJ to sell me an OEM tailgate for a reasonable price and could not find ANYBODY. Of course I come down here to post my success and I find your info about Ronald's in Pennsauken!!! AUUGGHH, I can't win!!

zman

 

yo zimman20,

Kinda late with the info for you my man. There is also another truck converter firm on Route 73 in Winslow Tnshp, NJ that has quite a few of new oem t'gates. I pass them a few times a month for over 20 years and they always have a bunch in stock. Hope this helps another buddy here or someone you know. I never stopped and asked for prices at either firm.