Tailgate sources? LMC?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 27
From: NJ
Tailgate sources? LMC?
What companies offer reproduction tailgates? My truck has a cheap repop jobbie with no letters, maybe LMC? Just feels light and like it'll just dent easily (has some dents already). I prefer to have the FORD letters on it anyhow. I see LMC has a tailgate for $500, says OE w/ FORD and is pricey at $500. Just called them and they said those are NOS. I'll pay that for NOS as I hate a chintzy flexy denty tailgate, but it says 80-82 and my truck is an '86. What are the differences and can I use that tailgate on my '86 bed? Does it match body lines? Hinge/strap differences? Has anyone used this one from LMC? I do have a Ford '86 tailgate on my other truck but it has some small rust holes and is thin on the bottom and a few minor dents. I'd rather just get either NOS, actual good repop comparable for NOS quality, or a good used tailgate (made of unobtainium I'd imagine, given most trucks get used as such).
Beyond LMC, anyone else offering a repop '86 tailgate but with FORD lettering and actually decent quality comparable to original parts?
Beyond LMC, anyone else offering a repop '86 tailgate but with FORD lettering and actually decent quality comparable to original parts?
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
There are differences between the 80-82 tail gates, and the 83-86. One key point being the straps that hold it when open. Early models use folding metal straps, while the later ones use a pair of cables. Not sure how difficult it might be to convert.
I think the hinges are similar, if not the same.
I think the hinges are similar, if not the same.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 27
From: NJ
I've had three '86s, all have had folding flat metal tailgate supports. Two have had original tailgates and the latest a cheap repop. So maybe differences but I don't think that's one. I think the change to cables happened after our body style. Earliest truck I had was an '83 but it was a stepside so totally different tailgate.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
You won't find a repop with the Ford lettering stamped in.
I bought an LMC repop for my '87 and it was completely worthless.
Made of tinfoil, came covered in dents, folded when I stood on it...
If they have NOS, and you are willing to pay the price, go for it!
it's only "new" once.
I bought an LMC repop for my '87 and it was completely worthless.
Made of tinfoil, came covered in dents, folded when I stood on it...
If they have NOS, and you are willing to pay the price, go for it!
it's only "new" once.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,992
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From: Virginia
I am surprised they still let this forum use F O R D in the url and the title. They stepped on the ford fuel injection site and are thinking about stepping on the rangerstation site for the word R A N G E R.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
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They will shut this site down eventually. Lawyers get lots of paid vacation time.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I wouldn't count on it, the site has been around since the mid-'90s and FTE works *with* FoMoCo, they support us and even have a couple of logins to here.
For example:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rting-fte.html
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Profile: FordService
They seem to have a pretty lenient attitude towards enthusiast's sites....
For example:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rting-fte.html
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Profile: FordService
They seem to have a pretty lenient attitude towards enthusiast's sites....
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pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
Start posting the text of TSB's and internal memos, make mention of the cruise control fires and botched first batch of repair harnesses.
Watch the posts disappear.
They want press, but they don't any want bad press.
Or any of 'their' completely outdated intellectual property disseminated.
That was what happened to Ryan at what is now 'oldfuelinjection.com'
Watch the posts disappear.
They want press, but they don't any want bad press.
Or any of 'their' completely outdated intellectual property disseminated.
That was what happened to Ryan at what is now 'oldfuelinjection.com'
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 8
From: Indian Falls, New York
I'd be interested in that. What color is it?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 8
From: Indian Falls, New York
What shade (sorry if I'm being picky). Our truck is light canyon red and a matching paint tailgate would be great for when we tear it down again, saving money on paint. Do you have pictures?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 8
From: Indian Falls, New York
If it's really bright it's probably light canyon red. Can you take some pictures or is it too much to ask?