I'm looking for some guidance on a decision here from some folks who might have walked this path already. Last fall I bought a blue 2005 F-250 that came with a 5th wheel tailgate. It's not the tailgate I wanted, but how hard could it be to get a replacement?

Turns out, it's tougher than I thought. Salvage yards all seem to have a couple of them that would fit but are scratched, dented, lacking handles, some have rust and all are the wrong color - and I'm not going to waste hundreds painting something that's beat up. Craigslist turned up a few options, but the aftermarket price is still high for good condition ($180 - $250), and again I've got to turn it blue (nothing's come up in my color yet).

Then I saw over at carparts.com a replacement tailgate, primed and ready to paint, for $105. Toss in the accessories I'd need to get (even if I bought a used one, since those all seem to be missing handles and cables) and I'm getting something new for the price of finding used and painting.

Is there something I'm not noticing with the new replacement tailgate? It's seems like a steal, and I'd have a brand new one painted with all the accessory parts for a little over half a grand. When something feels like a steal to me, I start questioning it - however I'm new at this stuff so here I am. Asking you fine folks.

Thanks for any input you might have on this decision.

 

You can do what I did, find a company that replaces truck beds with utility bodies and see if they have some take offs...

and craigslist is a two way street, you can put out a wanted ad and maybe get a bidding war going

good luck !

 

I found my 08+ taligate on craigs list, had it painted, had the lock rekeyed to match my truck, added new chains and hinge for less than $650. The paint on the gate isn't as expensive as you think. I would look for the newer style and get it painted. It requires the driver side roller hinge to be swapped as well but that's only $15 at the dealership.

 

Lots of late model tail gates on ebay from companies that do conversions/5th wheels/utility bodies, etc. Most are white, but cheaper. You can use up to 2014 with the newer style driver side hinge that Bently mentioned. You can even splurge and get one with a built in back up camera and the cool step that slides out.

 

I think you would be alright going for the cheap one

 

If you find a Silver 2014 Platinum one let me know, mine came up missing one late night.

 

Here's a blue on Ebay. It's from a 2013.
$500

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-Ford-F-250-F-350-Super-Duty-Tailgate-Blue-Fits-2008-2014-NJ-NY-PA-/181469695586?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a406fce62&vxp=mtr

 

Consider yourself lucky with those prices, i called this week to a guy advertising locally of take off tail gates, has a business that installs the lifts and other gates and these are take offs. He was asking $1000-1400 depending on the model. I quickly found a way to back my way out of the conversation and hung up. whewwwww....

 

try 5k for a 2014, I about hit the floor.

 

over a thousand for a tailgate! I keep wanting to do the 2011 up tailgate swap and i find them ever week for around 500 dollars complete here in south jersey and the surrounding areas

 

Over a grand for a tailgate? I know of two take-off companies around here that sells the entire bed for $12-1400...

 

I have a Platinum White 2014 F250 Super Duty Lariat FX4 with the 6.7 Powerstroke Diesel. The tailgate must be replaced and I was wondering what model years are interchangeable and also if the SRW F350's tailgate is also the same. Mine has a camera on the underside of the Ford emblem but does not have the integrated tailgate step.

 

The SRW 350 tailgate will fit. With minor modification 99-16 will fit.

 

@VegCuz- stick with 08+ they're direct bolt on and match everything about your truck.

I think 13+ added a line on the upper half.

 

Thanks for your response. It is very much appreciated.