FAQ - Tailgate replacement, tail light swap
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Thanks For The Correction. ND.
I really need to throw the old parts book away and get the CD.
Now that I Think about it, the tailgate that fits both 1980-1986 must be aftermarket.
Memory Cheats.
I really need to throw the old parts book away and get the CD.
Now that I Think about it, the tailgate that fits both 1980-1986 must be aftermarket.
Memory Cheats.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 783
From: Simi Valley, CA
Make sure it's this one: 1980/89 Ford LIGHT Truck Parts Catalog.
You prolly don't want the Heavy catalog = F600 and up.
1973/2002: I'm using the catalogs on Ford microfiche slides.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
The Heavy Catalog would also be nice since I do have a Large and Medium Truck Wrecker not far from where I live, but not essential, especially for $25 dollars and the economy the way it is.
Thanks Again.
Thanks Again.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
the tail gate that has the word F O R D real big in a rectangular box i think iveseen them on 84-86 fords but i dont know if they came stock or not i rarely see them and its the tailgate i want so i want to know if i can ****** one from the junkyard?
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Correct; my understanding is that it's a licensing/trademark thing from Ford and it applies
to ALL aftermarket parts, not just tailgates.
-ct
to ALL aftermarket parts, not just tailgates.
-ct
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
If the Aftermarket company pays a license fee, and make the parts to Ford's standard of quality, then they can use the trademarks, etc...
Very few companies do this.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
And just for clarification, the sheetmetal of the 1980-1982 tailgate, and the 1983-1986 tailgate is virtually identicle in looks.
The difference is the supporting hardware and how it attaches to the gate.
The 1983-1986 tailgate does not have the holes or the attachments for the 1980-1982 supporting hardware to attach to it.
The difference is the supporting hardware and how it attaches to the gate.
The 1983-1986 tailgate does not have the holes or the attachments for the 1980-1982 supporting hardware to attach to it.
New User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
re
So if I had an 80-82 shell, I could use it as long as i reuse my cables and latch hardware right? Please correct me if I am wrong because I have located a mint 80 gate but before I buy I need to know if it can work. Thanks!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Right, you can attach the 1983-1986 hardware to the 1980-1982 tailgate pretty simply.
There will be an extra bolt hole and areas for different componets you wont need.
The problem is going the other way around.
There will be an extra bolt hole and areas for different componets you wont need.
The problem is going the other way around.
New User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
thanks
Thanks glad someone finally answered my question! All the good 'gates I find are from 80-82 trucks and all the 83-86 gates are shot....go figure lol. So I am guessing the two holes for my latches will line up to the ones on the 80 gate, I'll just have an extra bolt hole on each side am I right?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Correct.
And also a couple of holes and slots for the rubber parts for the 1980-82 supports so they don't rattle in the gate, that are redundant for your install.
I've noticed that the sheetmetal on the 1980-1982 gates seem to be thicker. At least to my eyes.
And also a couple of holes and slots for the rubber parts for the 1980-82 supports so they don't rattle in the gate, that are redundant for your install.
I've noticed that the sheetmetal on the 1980-1982 gates seem to be thicker. At least to my eyes.
