7th gen spotter's thread
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 924
Likes: 4
From: Johns Creek GA
The 80-81 grilles have five vertical bars, whereas the 82-86 grilles have only three - so it's definitely a replacement grille as opposed to a glued-on Ford emblem.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
The 1980-1981 grilles were obsoleted in 1982. So if you got your grille broken out in lets say 1986, then the only grille avaliable new for your 1980-1981 was the 1982-1986 style through the dealer. Although there was NOS floating around back then, it was a lot harder to find than it is now due to technology.
And more information for everyone...
Clear Turn signal lenses: 1980-1981 to a build date of 12/80
Amber Front Turn signal lenses: 1981-1986 From a build date of 11/80
"Rhombus" style black insert lower moulding: 1980-1981: To a build date of 4/81
Black insert lower moulding "flat" style: 1981-1986: From a build date of 4/81
Auxillery springs could be ordered from the factory, or installed at the dealer.
Switch from swiss cheese frames to "regular" type mid year 1981 around circa 3/81.
The 1982 could have either the "Areo" headed style lower swing lock mirrors or the triangular headed ones used 1980-1981. The 1982 XLS had triangular headed mirrors in black for example.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
Your eyes are much better than mine, I can't even see the grille or the bars in it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
To paraphrase something I learned from numberdummy a few years back...
The 1980-1981 grilles were obsoleted in 1982. So if you got your grille broken out in lets say 1986, then the only grille avaliable new for your 1980-1981 was the 1982-1986 style through the dealer. Although there was NOS floating around back then, it was a lot harder to find than it is now due to technology.
And more information for everyone...
Clear Turn signal lenses: 1980-1981 to a build date of 12/80
Amber Front Turn signal lenses: 1981-1986 From a build date of 11/80
"Rhombus" style black insert lower moulding: 1980-1981: To a build date of 4/81
Black insert lower moulding "flat" style: 1981-1986: From a build date of 4/81
Auxillery springs could be ordered from the factory, or installed at the dealer.
Switch from swiss cheese frames to "regular" type mid year 1981 around circa 3/81.
The 1982 could have either the "Areo" headed style lower swing lock mirrors or the triangular headed ones used 1980-1981. The 1982 XLS had triangular headed mirrors in black for example.
The 1980-1981 grilles were obsoleted in 1982. So if you got your grille broken out in lets say 1986, then the only grille avaliable new for your 1980-1981 was the 1982-1986 style through the dealer. Although there was NOS floating around back then, it was a lot harder to find than it is now due to technology.
And more information for everyone...
Clear Turn signal lenses: 1980-1981 to a build date of 12/80
Amber Front Turn signal lenses: 1981-1986 From a build date of 11/80
"Rhombus" style black insert lower moulding: 1980-1981: To a build date of 4/81
Black insert lower moulding "flat" style: 1981-1986: From a build date of 4/81
Auxillery springs could be ordered from the factory, or installed at the dealer.
Switch from swiss cheese frames to "regular" type mid year 1981 around circa 3/81.
The 1982 could have either the "Areo" headed style lower swing lock mirrors or the triangular headed ones used 1980-1981. The 1982 XLS had triangular headed mirrors in black for example.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
I posted a Bronco on page 2. Go ahead, I got a few parts from Broncos on my F100.
This truck was sitting a few blocks from my house. Found it one day when I was driving around looking for yard sales. Within two weeks it was gone. Glad I got pics though.
This truck was sitting a few blocks from my house. Found it one day when I was driving around looking for yard sales. Within two weeks it was gone. Glad I got pics though.
I refuse to dedicate brain cells to remembering stuff like that......
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
That's because I don't see many of those paint schemes on the street or in the junk yards.
Truck in the pic looks like a 1980 (Shaun or 81-F will correct me if I'm wrong) is that a Ford promo pic? I like those wheels....