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Tailgate Trim Cap Interchangeability

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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 12:50 PM
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Tailgate Trim Cap Interchangeability

So, I'm looking for a metal tailgate cap that matches the half round profile at the top of our tailgates. Could I widen my search to include 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90' F series tailgates, or is that top radius vastly different between generations? It's really hard to tell from internet photos.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 02:10 PM
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I had an aluminum one from in the 1980s until I redid things in 2022, it was DEEZEE I think. I had once cut into it by mistake. Somewhere along the years, I had stumbled onto a polished stainless steel one and it fit perfect on my new in box OEM tailgate. I have no idea who made it, it was in a plain box, a long skinny box. Without comparing tailgate profiles side by side, I have no suggestions. My new drop in bed liner came with a tailgate protector, it fit perfect over the new cap.

I did google for them .... they are still made.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 02:58 PM
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I had a 1980-1996 tail gate cap that was a different profile than my 1966 Bronco has. I checked and it did not work due to different profile (so I sold it)
So, given that I would guess that a 60s or early 70s truck tailgate (mostly same as a classic bronco) are NOT the same as the 80-96 tailgates.
That doesn't answer your question about 73-79 tail gates but may help you when searching
 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 03:33 PM
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Originally Posted by McLeod
I had a 1980-1996 tail gate cap that was a different profile than my 1966 Bronco has. I checked and it did not work due to different profile (so I sold it)
So, given that I would guess that a 60s or early 70s truck tailgate (mostly same as a classic bronco) are NOT the same as the 80-96 tailgates.
That doesn't answer your question about 73-79 tail gates but may help you when searching
I think your onto something. I'm finding a lot more options that look right when I search for the Bronco tailgate protector. I think I'll try one of these.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 03:39 PM
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73-79.. the later beds shared the floor panel with 73-79 but nothing else.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 03:41 PM
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No-no, I am saying that the classic Bronco and trucks 1972 and earlier have a DIFFERENT profile along top edge than the 80-96 trucks.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted by McLeod
No-no, I am saying that the classic Bronco and trucks 1972 and earlier have a DIFFERENT profile along top edge than the 80-96 trucks.
I think this is still closer than what I am finding when I search F series tailgate caps. All I get is the generic flat top pieces with a goofy chamfer.

This one is round, so even if I have to shoehorn it a little bit, it seems like it will look better than the flat style protectors.


 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 04:13 PM
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I am now just remembering that the 80-86 would be a different tailgate profile with flatter edges than the 87 -97 had so buy carefully.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 04:16 PM
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https://truckedup.us/products/1973-1...l-tailgate-cap

https://truckedup.us/products/1973-1...e-tailgate-cap

I know nothing about these links so tread carefully.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 04:17 PM
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Originally Posted by McLeod
I am now just remembering that the 80-86 would be a different tailgate profile with flatter edges than the 87 -97 had so buy carefully.
That image came off a 66-77 Bronco tailgate cap listing.

I may just grab a profile gauge and walk a local junk yard to see if there is anything else with a similar tailgate lip before I buy.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 04:26 PM
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Looks close to me, but check lengths too.




I used 4 stainless steel 1/4-20 screws and each has a ss ny-lock nut out of view. 2 inside, 2 outside. There's some masking between the ss cap and my paint.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 07:44 PM
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Think I bought DeeZee back in the day, had to tap on but never was loose.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 10:29 PM
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Originally Posted by XSoph
That image came off a 66-77 Bronco tailgate cap listing.

I may just grab a profile gauge and walk a local junk yard to see if there is anything else with a similar tailgate lip before I buy.

The 66-77 bronco ones will be too short (length wise). That stainless one from metal monster has the flat angles.
 
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