Tailgate questions!
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 549
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From: Ashland
Tailgate questions!
Guys, I would like to order the ford stamped letter tailgate, but just can't afford it right now so I need to order the basic one fast as my truck is going in for body work and paint next week.
Where is a reliable source to get a tailgate and ensure I get the right one? I tried LMC, but they are out of stock.
Also,
I noticed on LMC that the tailgate hinge inserts are only for 83-86 trucks. I have a 1982 F100. Does mine not have hinge inserts? Just want to make sure since I am trying to make sure I have everything before next week.
You can see at this link: LMC trucks item 10 and 11...
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Where is a reliable source to get a tailgate and ensure I get the right one? I tried LMC, but they are out of stock.
Also,
I noticed on LMC that the tailgate hinge inserts are only for 83-86 trucks. I have a 1982 F100. Does mine not have hinge inserts? Just want to make sure since I am trying to make sure I have everything before next week.
You can see at this link: LMC trucks item 10 and 11...
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
1980 - 82 tailgates used straps, but 1983 on used cables. How to convert from an early 'gate to a late 'gate is described here on the Changing Tailgates tab: Tailgates - ???Gary's Garagemahal
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Ashland
1980 - 82 tailgates used straps, but 1983 on used cables. How to convert from an early 'gate to a late 'gate is described here on the Changing Tailgates tab: Tailgates - ???Gary's Garagemahal
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,554
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From: Northern Arizona
I've heard bad things about the reproduction tailgates, particularly the generic ones without the letters. From what I've read the material and build quality is just horrible and they fall apart even under light use. Are there no used junkyard tailgates available in your area? Personally I would settle for an OEM cable tailgate over a repro strap tailgate... and I don't believe I have ever seen a repro with straps.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: Northeast Ohio USA
Time is the killer
Your time frame is what's gonna hurt. I know of two 80-81 gates still on the trucks within 4 miles of me in boneyards that need work (dents and mild lower rust) but....given your time frame and shipping time and cost, they would do you no good. As far as aftermarket offerings, i'm sure you've exhausted the possibilities. Ask the painter to hold a reserve of the mixed paint to allow you time to find either a used one or aftermarket when available. The gate can be painted within 6 to 12 months of the original paint without any noticeable difference. If the painter is reputable, they won't have a problem with squirting the gate later as it would have been included if it were there during the initial paint.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,298
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From: NJ
Guys, I would like to order the ford stamped letter tailgate, but just can't afford it right now so I need to order the basic one fast as my truck is going in for body work and paint next week.
Where is a reliable source to get a tailgate and ensure I get the right one? I tried LMC, but they are out of stock.
Where is a reliable source to get a tailgate and ensure I get the right one? I tried LMC, but they are out of stock.
Tailgate - Styleside | Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 279
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From: Lincoln, RI
Hold off on buying a aftermarket one. You can always get one painted after. It took a while, but I found a OEM one on eBay local pickup that was taken off the truck day one and stored in a garage for 30+ years. It was brand new with handles and cables for $250.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Ashland
Thanks guys for the advice and hope it's not taken the wrong way, but I'm not asking for advice on the tailgates, I'm asking where I can purchase the aftermarket one since LMC is out..
I guess I'll find somewhere to get it.
I guess I'll find somewhere to get it.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I am in the crowd that says to save some paint you can apply to whatever tailgate you eventually get. IMO the Chinese knock-offs are of poor quality and you will be disappointed in short order but it's your time and money....
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 27
From: NJ
And this is why they make Chinese junk that falls apart the first time you use it... I'd offer my mangled Chinese tailgate for free but you probably wouldn't want it, unless you're repairing and reinforcing it yourself you'd spend more than the $400 repop or a good original to get it presentable.
Lead Driver
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From: Sheffield, AL
Postmaster
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From: Northern Arizona
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
On Ranger XLT's and Lariats, there are two tailgate finish panels.