Tailgate question
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: Independence
Tailgate question
Is it possible to use an 87-91 tailgate on an 80-86 pickup? I traded a set of tall valve covers, an oil pan, and an intake manifold from a cleveland for an almost perfect tailgate and it would really suck if I couldn't use it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10,080
Likes: 5
From: Backwoods of Snowflake AZ
By looking at my 88 F150 and comparing it to my dad's 86 F150 I would say no. The body lines are completely different, the strikers are completely different, and the mounts looks slightly different but not sure on that last one. I would say put it on the local craigslist for sale or trade for a 80-86 tailgate you never know what you can find.
Trav
Trav
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,950
Likes: 2,718
From: Virginia
Yes, it will fit. But you will need some of the hardware or mix and match the different hardware pieces to make it all work. Bolts may be a little different, the latches and strikes may be different. But a little bit of retro fit on the hardware will let it work.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 477
Likes: 0
From: Geneva NY
Just in case anyone wants to know, I just looked and I can get a new tailgate shipped to my door for ~160 through RockAuto Parts Catalog It doesn't say ford on it, and it doesn't come with hardware but I still don't think that's a bad price.
Personally I think since you have it, just get the mounting hardware from the newer truck and make it work, it doesn't look too bad in that pic that JayzDaddy posted.
Personally I think since you have it, just get the mounting hardware from the newer truck and make it work, it doesn't look too bad in that pic that JayzDaddy posted.
Trending Topics
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,950
Likes: 2,718
From: Virginia
Be careful of the repo tailgates. It's been reported they are paper thin and not good for much except restoration of a truck that won't see any heavy use.
A guy I work with has a 94 and complained about how the metal tore loose on the inside of the door where the inner panel attaches, where you pull on the door all the time to shut it. I asked him what color the door was, and he said it was black. I said I bet you have a repro door, they are know to be thin. His truck is blue, the door should have been blue under the interior panel, and he did buy the truck used, and if you look at it you can tell where it's been repainted from a accident.
I have used the repro front fenders. They are much better than rust holes, and do serve the purpose ok, but they are thin also.
A guy I work with has a 94 and complained about how the metal tore loose on the inside of the door where the inner panel attaches, where you pull on the door all the time to shut it. I asked him what color the door was, and he said it was black. I said I bet you have a repro door, they are know to be thin. His truck is blue, the door should have been blue under the interior panel, and he did buy the truck used, and if you look at it you can tell where it's been repainted from a accident.
I have used the repro front fenders. They are much better than rust holes, and do serve the purpose ok, but they are thin also.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 477
Likes: 0
From: Geneva NY
Be careful of the repo tailgates. It's been reported they are paper thin and not good for much except restoration of a truck that won't see any heavy use.
A guy I work with has a 94 and complained about how the metal tore loose on the inside of the door where the inner panel attaches, where you pull on the door all the time to shut it. I asked him what color the door was, and he said it was black. I said I bet you have a repro door, they are know to be thin. His truck is blue, the door should have been blue under the interior panel, and he did buy the truck used, and if you look at it you can tell where it's been repainted from a accident.
I have used the repro front fenders. They are much better than rust holes, and do serve the purpose ok, but they are thin also.
A guy I work with has a 94 and complained about how the metal tore loose on the inside of the door where the inner panel attaches, where you pull on the door all the time to shut it. I asked him what color the door was, and he said it was black. I said I bet you have a repro door, they are know to be thin. His truck is blue, the door should have been blue under the interior panel, and he did buy the truck used, and if you look at it you can tell where it's been repainted from a accident.
I have used the repro front fenders. They are much better than rust holes, and do serve the purpose ok, but they are thin also.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DanoF250
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Mar 30, 2010 09:33 PM
stanggt84
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
15
Jul 23, 2009 09:44 AM
an422
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
16
Oct 24, 2008 04:08 PM