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.

 

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

 

It can be made to work with the matching hardware, hinges latches etc and a little time. The body lines are one of those close enough things that you "could" get used it.

 

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.

 

Yes it works. I put a 96 gate on my 86. You need the donors hinges, bolts, nut plates, strikers, and some washers for a little spacing difference.

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

Thanks for the input guys! I'll have it on sometime this week, and, when I'm done I'll post some pics.

 

This is very good to know, thank you. You may have saved me from a headache down the road! That would certainly justify the price though!