86 tailgate hinge inserts missing?
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: NJ
On my 86, the tailgate straps are on the lower latch bolts.
I thought about making the tailgate permanent by trying a left side bracket, I may still do that. I have no reason to ever remove the tailgate.
I've had several trucks from this era over the years, I found that parts have steadily gotten higher, with the biggest gains in cost being more recently.
I replaced the left fender and drivers door on my 1987 back in 1993 for less than $300. I remember the parts guy telling me that if it were a year older it would be half as much.
Either way, this truck is getting a new factory Ford gate, I guess I got lucky and found a dealer that just wanted to dump one for cheap.
My guess is the paint will be the most expensive part of the job now.
I thought about making the tailgate permanent by trying a left side bracket, I may still do that. I have no reason to ever remove the tailgate.
I've had several trucks from this era over the years, I found that parts have steadily gotten higher, with the biggest gains in cost being more recently.
I replaced the left fender and drivers door on my 1987 back in 1993 for less than $300. I remember the parts guy telling me that if it were a year older it would be half as much.
Either way, this truck is getting a new factory Ford gate, I guess I got lucky and found a dealer that just wanted to dump one for cheap.
My guess is the paint will be the most expensive part of the job now.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Since language can be interpreted differently, I thought I should clarify.
1980-1982 have straps or AKA: "L" hinge brackets AKA: Metal Support Arms.
1983-1986 has cables.
1980-1982 with metal straps.
The metal support is held on with two bolts on each side, and shares one bolt with the latch mechanism. The one picture hides the lower bolt present to hold the bracket on. Also not pictured is the lower rubber "blocks" to keep the straps from rattling inside the gate when it's up. The rubber "blocks are held on by inserting them in long grooves or cut outs in the sheetmetal. The extra two bolt holes (equals 3 on each side totalling 6) and the places for the extra rubber parts are not present in the 1983-1986 gate.
I made a hint of what they do in one of my previous posts on this thread. I made it out where they get them from to be a question, (Because I cannot go right out and say it) but it was a statement.
Ford does scrap their discontinued parts at their warehouses, and Dennis Carpenter buys up a heck of a lot of it as well. The dealers are stuck with them and cant return them so they hold onto them untill sold.
1980-1982 have straps or AKA: "L" hinge brackets AKA: Metal Support Arms.
1983-1986 has cables.
1980-1982 with metal straps.
The metal support is held on with two bolts on each side, and shares one bolt with the latch mechanism. The one picture hides the lower bolt present to hold the bracket on. Also not pictured is the lower rubber "blocks" to keep the straps from rattling inside the gate when it's up. The rubber "blocks are held on by inserting them in long grooves or cut outs in the sheetmetal. The extra two bolt holes (equals 3 on each side totalling 6) and the places for the extra rubber parts are not present in the 1983-1986 gate.
Originally Posted by reelfishin
With as many of those trucks and parts that were built, I'd venture to guess that if LMC is selling FORD lettered gates, they most likely bought up a huge stock of them somewhere. I can't imagine that all the old stock on an item as common and overproduced as a tailgate would ever be gone from original inventory unless they've began scrapping obsolete stock?
Ford does scrap their discontinued parts at their warehouses, and Dennis Carpenter buys up a heck of a lot of it as well. The dealers are stuck with them and cant return them so they hold onto them untill sold.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: NJ
I found it odd that these parts got marked up in price even though they were discontinued.
I still have an invoice for a tailgate I bought for a 1983 I had years ago, (Just had the bed set up as a trailer), the new gate from Ford was only $110 back in 1996, the hardware was another $37 and change. I drove to the Ford dealer over in the next town, they had everything in stock down to the rubber bumpers and bushings. That dealer is long gone, they closed up over 10 years ago. The local dealer is still here but they never did stock many parts, but neither do any of the other brand dealers around here.
Ford or Motorcraft parts are only sold at the dealer, its a shame when you can't go to the dealer and buy parts anymore without a two day wait. Who wants to wait till the next day or more for tune up parts? I get an attitude when I ask for older parts and the guys behind the counter aren't old enough to remember trucks half as old.
Sometimes I think I'd do better asking for a cheeseburger than truck parts at some of these places. The auto parts stores aren't much better, only NAPA seems to still have real parts guys but even they don't stock much these days.
I still have an invoice for a tailgate I bought for a 1983 I had years ago, (Just had the bed set up as a trailer), the new gate from Ford was only $110 back in 1996, the hardware was another $37 and change. I drove to the Ford dealer over in the next town, they had everything in stock down to the rubber bumpers and bushings. That dealer is long gone, they closed up over 10 years ago. The local dealer is still here but they never did stock many parts, but neither do any of the other brand dealers around here.
Ford or Motorcraft parts are only sold at the dealer, its a shame when you can't go to the dealer and buy parts anymore without a two day wait. Who wants to wait till the next day or more for tune up parts? I get an attitude when I ask for older parts and the guys behind the counter aren't old enough to remember trucks half as old.
Sometimes I think I'd do better asking for a cheeseburger than truck parts at some of these places. The auto parts stores aren't much better, only NAPA seems to still have real parts guys but even they don't stock much these days.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
I found it odd that these parts got marked up in price even though they were discontinued.
I still have an invoice for a tailgate I bought for a 1983 I had years ago, (Just had the bed set up as a trailer), the new gate from Ford was only $110 back in 1996, the hardware was another $37 and change. I drove to the Ford dealer over in the next town, they had everything in stock down to the rubber bumpers and bushings. That dealer is long gone, they closed up over 10 years ago. The local dealer is still here but they never did stock many parts, but neither do any of the other brand dealers around here.
I still have an invoice for a tailgate I bought for a 1983 I had years ago, (Just had the bed set up as a trailer), the new gate from Ford was only $110 back in 1996, the hardware was another $37 and change. I drove to the Ford dealer over in the next town, they had everything in stock down to the rubber bumpers and bushings. That dealer is long gone, they closed up over 10 years ago. The local dealer is still here but they never did stock many parts, but neither do any of the other brand dealers around here.
Use this calculator:
CPI Inflation Calculator
The other answer is because it is obsolete and the supply and demand principle. The more rare something is, and/or the higher in demand, the more of a premium it is to buy it. Chris, (CTUBUTIS) and I were discussing this simular thing just a few weeks ago. A left hand door latch mechanisim for our trucks is over $100. But the same mechanisim for the right door is under $30. Only explanation is the left hand side wears out faster thus more demand for the left. This can be seen on other NOS OEM parts, like Fenders, and other body parts as well.
Ford or Motorcraft parts are only sold at the dealer, its a shame when you can't go to the dealer and buy parts anymore without a two day wait. Who wants to wait till the next day or more for tune up parts? I get an attitude when I ask for older parts and the guys behind the counter aren't old enough to remember trucks half as old.
Sometimes I think I'd do better asking for a cheeseburger than truck parts at some of these places. The auto parts stores aren't much better, only NAPA seems to still have real parts guys but even they don't stock much these days.
Sometimes I think I'd do better asking for a cheeseburger than truck parts at some of these places. The auto parts stores aren't much better, only NAPA seems to still have real parts guys but even they don't stock much these days.
I just bought a set of Motorcraft Spark Plugs from O'Rileys because they had them in stock, where as the local dealer did not. Sometimes you can get a better deal at the dealer direct, however sometimes you can't.
There are other OEM manufactures than just motorcraft for the parts on our trucks. Made by other companies and sold under the Motorcraft name.
Direct OEM replacement wiper blades: TRICO 18": made for Motorcraft.
Direct OEM replacement O2 Sensors: Bosch: made for Motorcraft.
Direct OEM replacement Turn and Hazard Flashers: WAGNER: made for Motorcraft
etc...
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: NJ
$110 in 1996 money by that calculator is only $157.
That I could understand.
The supply can't be too high if there's still a bunch left around the country, it's the price that's letting them remain in inventory. If they were priced accordingly, or if there were more of these trucks left, those would no doubt be gone.
What is most disappointing is that over the years I've had many older Fords, many much older than this 86 F150, yet I've almost always been able to find the majority of parts from various dealers, either the parts were in stock, or they were able to locate them. I restored a 1950 F1 about 10 years back, most all of the parts came from either Ford dealers, several obsolete Ford parts centers, Dennis Carpenter or one of a few catalogs that specialize in only those trucks. I was surprised at how many parts at that time were still on dealer's shelves. Today that just don't seem to happen, or else the current batch of Ford parts counter guys just don't care to bother or don't have the connections.
I don't expect Ford to keep every part around forever, but I would expect a dealer from whom I spend thousands of dollars to at least take the time to honestly look.
The only auto parts houses I have here are NAPA, Auto Zone, Advance, Pep Boys, and two independents, none of them carry any Motorcraft, not even oil filters.
Walmart keeps some Motorcraft oil filters, but they no longer carry the FL1A.
They only keep the the current number filters. Its even rare to find an FL820A for my Crown Vic in stock anymore.
They used to carry Motorcraft oil but lately all the keep is 5W20 and thinner in the semi synthetic versions.
I can by AC Delco in most parts stores though, sometimes you get lucky and those are just re-boxed Ford parts.
I'll probably take the drive one day this week to get what I need in PA.
Years ago Motorcraft parts were everywhere but from what I was told by one privately owned parts store owner was that he could no longer buy and stock Motorcraft unless he was willing to stock the complete line.
What has always gotten me is why these parts stores stock more parts for brand new cars then they do for older models? Its not likely someone will need a full tune up or set of brakes for a current model car, especially with today's warranties.
I was at Advance today looking for a muffler and tail pipe for a 1992 F150, they didn't stock it, never did, never had one. To me, that's insane, that pipe fits almost all the 4x2 F150 trucks over a pretty wide era, yet they don't keep it. Yet they stocked multiple exhaust pieces for 2010 models. When I asked if they've ever sold any, he said no. To me that's a matter of poor management. There was a guy ahead of me looking for a reman HEI distributor for an older Chevy small block, they didn't have that either. The kid waiting on him had no clue what he meant by a 'Small Block Distributor'. The guy was dumbfounded that they wouldn't stock something so common. Those stores seem more interested in selling floor mats, plastic hubcaps, and air fresheners than service parts.
Items like flashers, O2 sensors, etc aren't the items that I am most concerned with being original, its items like plug wires, body parts, electrical items, or any part that is made by Ford Motor Co.
I've never had any luck with any aftermarket plug wires, and I can't count how many bad aftermarket electric fuel pumps I've had or seen over the years. (My original fuel pump failed in my 1995 Ranger at around 155K, I was in GA, the only parts house to have one was Autozone, so I went with it, changed it and the filter in the hotel parking lot on the ground. I made it to Dillon, SC before it died. I found one the next morning at another Autozone, swapped out the pump again, that one made it all the way to DE, where I again replaced it and drove all the way home. Two days later, it died again in my driveway. I returned the pump after plenty of arguing and bought one from Ford, which took 4 days to get. That one is still in the truck working fine. The Autozone pump assembly was made in China, it was their top of the line unit, it came complete with the sender and housing. Needless to say, I will never chance one again unless I'm completely stranded but I think I'd have been better off just waiting two days and finding one in a junkyard.
That I could understand.
The supply can't be too high if there's still a bunch left around the country, it's the price that's letting them remain in inventory. If they were priced accordingly, or if there were more of these trucks left, those would no doubt be gone.
What is most disappointing is that over the years I've had many older Fords, many much older than this 86 F150, yet I've almost always been able to find the majority of parts from various dealers, either the parts were in stock, or they were able to locate them. I restored a 1950 F1 about 10 years back, most all of the parts came from either Ford dealers, several obsolete Ford parts centers, Dennis Carpenter or one of a few catalogs that specialize in only those trucks. I was surprised at how many parts at that time were still on dealer's shelves. Today that just don't seem to happen, or else the current batch of Ford parts counter guys just don't care to bother or don't have the connections.
I don't expect Ford to keep every part around forever, but I would expect a dealer from whom I spend thousands of dollars to at least take the time to honestly look.
The only auto parts houses I have here are NAPA, Auto Zone, Advance, Pep Boys, and two independents, none of them carry any Motorcraft, not even oil filters.
Walmart keeps some Motorcraft oil filters, but they no longer carry the FL1A.
They only keep the the current number filters. Its even rare to find an FL820A for my Crown Vic in stock anymore.
They used to carry Motorcraft oil but lately all the keep is 5W20 and thinner in the semi synthetic versions.
I can by AC Delco in most parts stores though, sometimes you get lucky and those are just re-boxed Ford parts.
I'll probably take the drive one day this week to get what I need in PA.
Years ago Motorcraft parts were everywhere but from what I was told by one privately owned parts store owner was that he could no longer buy and stock Motorcraft unless he was willing to stock the complete line.
What has always gotten me is why these parts stores stock more parts for brand new cars then they do for older models? Its not likely someone will need a full tune up or set of brakes for a current model car, especially with today's warranties.
I was at Advance today looking for a muffler and tail pipe for a 1992 F150, they didn't stock it, never did, never had one. To me, that's insane, that pipe fits almost all the 4x2 F150 trucks over a pretty wide era, yet they don't keep it. Yet they stocked multiple exhaust pieces for 2010 models. When I asked if they've ever sold any, he said no. To me that's a matter of poor management. There was a guy ahead of me looking for a reman HEI distributor for an older Chevy small block, they didn't have that either. The kid waiting on him had no clue what he meant by a 'Small Block Distributor'. The guy was dumbfounded that they wouldn't stock something so common. Those stores seem more interested in selling floor mats, plastic hubcaps, and air fresheners than service parts.
Items like flashers, O2 sensors, etc aren't the items that I am most concerned with being original, its items like plug wires, body parts, electrical items, or any part that is made by Ford Motor Co.
I've never had any luck with any aftermarket plug wires, and I can't count how many bad aftermarket electric fuel pumps I've had or seen over the years. (My original fuel pump failed in my 1995 Ranger at around 155K, I was in GA, the only parts house to have one was Autozone, so I went with it, changed it and the filter in the hotel parking lot on the ground. I made it to Dillon, SC before it died. I found one the next morning at another Autozone, swapped out the pump again, that one made it all the way to DE, where I again replaced it and drove all the way home. Two days later, it died again in my driveway. I returned the pump after plenty of arguing and bought one from Ford, which took 4 days to get. That one is still in the truck working fine. The Autozone pump assembly was made in China, it was their top of the line unit, it came complete with the sender and housing. Needless to say, I will never chance one again unless I'm completely stranded but I think I'd have been better off just waiting two days and finding one in a junkyard.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Scottsville KY
This thread has been very useful for more reasons than one. I have located a new never out of box factory tailgate and bushings less than 50 miles from my house. I am constantly blown away by the knowledge shared with each other on this site. Parts numbers....tips.... tricks..... how to.... all I can do is give thanks ...reps and smile.
This site is fast becoming my favorite for obvious reasons ...
This site is fast becoming my favorite for obvious reasons ...
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Tell the admins, they'll appreciate hearing something good for a change. 
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...newpm&u=130801
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...=newpm&u=10245
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...newpm&u=130801
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...=newpm&u=10245
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 582
Likes: 1
From: Corvallis, OR
Hi guys,
I'm replacing the tailgate on my '83 F250 and I wondered if Ctubutis, NumberDummy or F150-Explorer might be kind enough to list a few places that have the tailgate insert near my area, I am located in Central Oregon. All the places listed earlier in the thread were out East.
I've called several of the dealers originally listed with regards to the tailgates themselves and they seem to have mostly been snatched up already. Hopefully that is due to this thread and hopefully it helped out some Ford fans. As for me I think I've found a new tailgate at a local junkyard, but I could still use the inserts.
Thanks in advance fellas,
Luke
I'm replacing the tailgate on my '83 F250 and I wondered if Ctubutis, NumberDummy or F150-Explorer might be kind enough to list a few places that have the tailgate insert near my area, I am located in Central Oregon. All the places listed earlier in the thread were out East.
I've called several of the dealers originally listed with regards to the tailgates themselves and they seem to have mostly been snatched up already. Hopefully that is due to this thread and hopefully it helped out some Ford fans. As for me I think I've found a new tailgate at a local junkyard, but I could still use the inserts.
Thanks in advance fellas,
Luke
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Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Determine the part numbers you're interested in, then plug 'em into partsvoice.com to find who has 'em.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 582
Likes: 1
From: Corvallis, OR
Ok, I hadn't realized you were just using PartsVoice... I thought maybe there was some other source being called upon.
Anyway according to PartsVoice it looks like the closest one to me is a thousand miles away in Ketchikan, Alaska. But I suppose shipping on such a small part should be cheap.
This is the same insert as was discussed on the first page, E3TZ-99430B22-B.
Thanks for the help,
Luke
Anyway according to PartsVoice it looks like the closest one to me is a thousand miles away in Ketchikan, Alaska. But I suppose shipping on such a small part should be cheap.
This is the same insert as was discussed on the first page, E3TZ-99430B22-B.
Thanks for the help,
Luke
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 130
Likes: 1
From: Scottdale, PA
Ok, I hadn't realized you were just using PartsVoice... I thought maybe there was some other source being called upon.
Anyway according to PartsVoice it looks like the closest one to me is a thousand miles away in Ketchikan, Alaska. But I suppose shipping on such a small part should be cheap.
This is the same insert as was discussed on the first page, E3TZ-99430B22-B.
Thanks for the help,
Luke
Anyway according to PartsVoice it looks like the closest one to me is a thousand miles away in Ketchikan, Alaska. But I suppose shipping on such a small part should be cheap.
This is the same insert as was discussed on the first page, E3TZ-99430B22-B.
Thanks for the help,
Luke
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Ok, I hadn't realized you were just using PartsVoice... I thought maybe there was some other source being called upon.
Anyway according to PartsVoice it looks like the closest one to me is a thousand miles away in Ketchikan, Alaska. But I suppose shipping on such a small part should be cheap.
This is the same insert as was discussed on the first page, E3TZ-99430B22-B.
Thanks for the help,
Luke
Anyway according to PartsVoice it looks like the closest one to me is a thousand miles away in Ketchikan, Alaska. But I suppose shipping on such a small part should be cheap.
This is the same insert as was discussed on the first page, E3TZ-99430B22-B.
Thanks for the help,
Luke
Asking what Ford dealers might have a part requires using a site that requires Active X, which means firing up the (virtual) Windows machine and hope it works.
Thanks for supplying the part number, I didn't want to read through 7 pages of stuff to figure out which one(s) you might want....
You're in luck:
St. Helen's Auto Center Inc. (St. Helens, OR) has 1 of those things.
As does Van Cleve Ford, Inc. (Morton, WA).
Wait....
Not sure how many you need, but Damskov Auto Sales, Inc. in Omak, WA has 2.
As does Lake City Ford Lincoln-Mercury in Coeur D'Alene, ID.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 582
Likes: 1
From: Corvallis, OR
Guys, thanks so much for the help. It's Friday evening now but I will call these dealers over the weekend or early next week and I'm sure I can get them to send me a few inserts.
Cav, if I run into any problems I will certainly take you up on your offer, I will PM you if so. I have no doubt your home-made versions work just as well.
Thanks so much again,
Luke
Cav, if I run into any problems I will certainly take you up on your offer, I will PM you if so. I have no doubt your home-made versions work just as well.
Thanks so much again,
Luke
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 783
From: Simi Valley, CA
I'm replacing the tailgate on my '83 F250 STYLESIDE? and I wondered if Ctubutis, NumberDummy or F150-Explorer might be kind enough to list a few places that have the tailgate insert near my area,
I am located in Central Oregon.
FYI = 3 day Portland Car/Truck Swap Meet goin' on now thru Sunday, held at Portland Expo Center adjacent to the Columbia River.
I am located in Central Oregon.
FYI = 3 day Portland Car/Truck Swap Meet goin' on now thru Sunday, held at Portland Expo Center adjacent to the Columbia River.
E3TZ-99430B22-B / In addition to what Chris gave you =
SUSANVILLE FORD in Susanville CA has TWO = 530-257-2137.
HOLDER FORD in Lakeport CA has THREE = 800-635-8331 ext 7 (parts dept open Saturday 10-4).
There are more in CA, but most dealers have only one, or are located in LA LA Land.
Further afield =
BELL-MCCALL MOTOR CO. in Hamilton MT has THREE = 406-363-2011.
ARTESIA FORD in Artesia NM has SIX = 575-746-3578.
GREEN SALES CO. in Cincinnati OH has THIRTEEN = 800-543-4959.
PARTS INTERNATIONAL in Farmers Branch has FIFTY = 888-727-0418.