Notices
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Tailgate question

Old May 19, 2013 | 11:44 AM
  #1  
Monte1go's Avatar
Monte1go
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.
 
Reply
Old May 19, 2013 | 12:26 PM
  #2  
Redneckfordf2502002's Avatar
Redneckfordf2502002
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
 
Reply
Old May 19, 2013 | 12:29 PM
  #3  
Archion's Avatar
Archion
Logistics Pro
Veteran: Marine Corps
Photogenic
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,827
Likes: 103
From: Martinsburg, WV
Club FTE Gold Member
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.
 
Reply
Old May 19, 2013 | 12:54 PM
  #4  
Franklin2's Avatar
Franklin2
Moderator
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
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.
 
Reply
Old May 19, 2013 | 06:44 PM
  #5  
JayzDaddy's Avatar
JayzDaddy
Elder User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 978
Likes: 1
From: Covington VA
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.
 
Reply
Old May 19, 2013 | 06:46 PM
  #6  
JayzDaddy's Avatar
JayzDaddy
Elder User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 978
Likes: 1
From: Covington VA
 
Reply
Old May 19, 2013 | 08:15 PM
  #7  
chillman88's Avatar
chillman88
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.
 
Reply
Old May 19, 2013 | 08:21 PM
  #8  
Franklin2's Avatar
Franklin2
Moderator
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
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.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-4

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-6

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
Old May 20, 2013 | 02:27 AM
  #9  
Monte1go's Avatar
Monte1go
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: Independence
Thanks for the input guys! I'll have it on sometime this week, and, when I'm done I'll post some pics.
 
Reply
Old May 20, 2013 | 05:22 AM
  #10  
chillman88's Avatar
chillman88
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 477
Likes: 0
From: Geneva NY
Originally Posted by Franklin2
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.
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!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Ripcity
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Sep 19, 2013 08:52 AM
RA31925
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
6
Jun 11, 2011 05:42 AM
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


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:02 AM.

story-0
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-02 21:45:57


VIEW MORE
story-1
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-5
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE