Tailgate switch
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 399
Likes: 1
From: Winnipeg Canada
Tailgate switch
I have an '80 F100 Fleetside SB with the formed, embossed "FORD" tailgate. I want to upgrade to a "smooth" tailgate (without the stainless/Ford logo panel). I hope I can get the hinges to work by swapping out the hinges from my '80 tailgate for '82 hinges on the bed—they are smaller than the '80 ones. I don't know if the tailgate latches can be switched; the '80 has an in/out latch while the '82 & up use a jaws type latch (like a fence gate latch).The good thing is that the '82 & up tailgates have an access panel to get at the release rods etc. Can I get the look I want out of combining these tailgates? National Parts Depot told me that the tailgates from 1980 -1986 are interchangeable but, this isn't so. Any information that could help is appreciated.
Last edited by emgee; Apr 3, 2005 at 11:04 AM. Reason: info
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans Louisiana
Check the wheel wells.......
check your wheel wells, if they are more rounded, and not like the front ones, you have a newer bed, and the latches will be different, though the hinges will be about the same, you can fit a smooth tail gate form a 1987-1996 f series with the ss panel, a friend of mine did this on his, i stuck with the embossed gate on my 1983 f100 you can see in the gallery under the title "the blue angel". Good luck with it.
