XLT/lariat tailgate insert
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 5
From: Parkesburg PA
XLT/lariat tailgate insert
My F250 has the insert but it's missing the lower piece. I assume it's a red reflector like the later Bronco's. Will one from a later Bronco (90) fit?
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 5
From: Parkesburg PA
Um... Mine's an 86...
Anyone have a picture of what it's supposed to look like? The panel itself is in pretty good condition. It had a little dent but I've since massaged it out, I just need the lower piece.
Anyone have a picture of what it's supposed to look like? The panel itself is in pretty good condition. It had a little dent but I've since massaged it out, I just need the lower piece.
Trending Topics
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
^^^ Yeah, that's it. And Brad is correct; the red reflector part was not available separately. ^^^
That aluminum tailgate panel was designed for the 1985 - 1986 Lariat models, and it is not available anymore and no one reproduces these.
You could, however, put some sort of red vinyl in there. Or, you could replace it a panel from a 1985 - 1986 Ford Bronco (Ford oval on the left side) or with the more narrow 1980 - 1984 tailgate panel. I think there are still quite a few those left out there. The 1987 - 1991 panels and the 1992 - 1996 panels do not have the tailgate handle cutout section because the tailgate handle was relocated to higher up on the tailgate.
That aluminum tailgate panel was designed for the 1985 - 1986 Lariat models, and it is not available anymore and no one reproduces these.
You could, however, put some sort of red vinyl in there. Or, you could replace it a panel from a 1985 - 1986 Ford Bronco (Ford oval on the left side) or with the more narrow 1980 - 1984 tailgate panel. I think there are still quite a few those left out there. The 1987 - 1991 panels and the 1992 - 1996 panels do not have the tailgate handle cutout section because the tailgate handle was relocated to higher up on the tailgate.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
I doubt anybody here will be able to fully answer your question since this isn't a popular modification. What you can do is go to the junkyard, measure the reflector on the Bronco, and then transfer the measurements to you tailgate panel. If they match, you're golden. If not, and the Bronco reflector is too big, you can try cutting it down, but it's gonna be hard not to damage the reflector.
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 5
From: Parkesburg PA
Well the width is good, about 66 1/2" but the height of the later (90) Bronco reflector is wrong. The Bronco reflector is 3 3/4" but the space on the panel is only 3 1/2" wide.
Oh well... guess I'll whip out the good old metal sewing machine and close all the holes in the gate and run with just the stamped letters...
Oh well... guess I'll whip out the good old metal sewing machine and close all the holes in the gate and run with just the stamped letters...
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Uniontown PA USA
that looks like our best option!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 11
From: Wausau, WI
It's just flat stainless that I got and had sheered at the local steel supplier. Did a little polishing on it to shine it up a little. It's attached with the gray 3M molding tape.
That was about the only thing I could come up with that looked good. Thought about putting a brushed finish on it, but now I can not get it off to do that.
That was about the only thing I could come up with that looked good. Thought about putting a brushed finish on it, but now I can not get it off to do that.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,477
Likes: 19
From: Sheffield, AL
How about cutting a piece of plexiglass and painting it red on the back side? Years ago, we used to buy clear plastic bodies for slot cars. These would be painted on the underside and the color would show through, be shiney and would not chip off when wrecked. Just an idea.