tailgate interchangeability

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Jun 21, 2005 | 07:23 PM

hovercop

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tailgate interchangeability

I just bought a 1983 without a tailgate. My neighbor has offered me 1996 F150 tailgate. Does anyone know if the 96 will fit on my 83?

Jun 21, 2005 | 09:26 PM

IB Tim

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Jun 22, 2005 | 04:27 AM

fordsfairlane

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From: southern kentucky

tailgate interchangeability

I dont know but you should get the tailgate anyway if its free, and try it, if it doesnt work you could sell it or trade it .

Jun 22, 2005 | 04:51 AM

fellro86

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Marengo, Iowa

I have seen tailgates from 87 and later on 86 and earlier boxes, although I had been told that the latches were different... looked to work just fine.

Jun 22, 2005 | 08:14 AM

blueovalboy86

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Joined: Jun 2005

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From: maryland

i have an 86 f-150 and an 88 f250. i bought the 86' and it didnt have a tailgate. So i took the other tailgate off the 88' and tried it. the body lines are the same but the latch is differen. The hole that you slide it onto on the truck isnt big enough. But you could probably go to the dump and get the round hinge for the left off any 87-96 f-series truck.

Jun 22, 2005 | 07:20 PM

Steve's Beast

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Elk Lake ON. Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueovalboy86

But you could probably go to the dump and get the round hinge for the left off any 87-96 f-series truck.

And I thought I was the only one that went "shoping" at the dump!

Some times better parts than the recking yards!

Steve

Jun 22, 2005 | 07:35 PM

Danos-f150

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From: Nelson B.C

Nope, The Latches on the sides are different

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Jun 22, 2005 | 11:07 PM

5_labsownus

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From: Fraziers Bottom, WV

You can use late model tailgates that use the "Nader Pin" latches. You need to drill a holl for the pin and you will need the pivot cups. They are smaller on late model than the 80-86!

I have a 96 tailgate on my 82 F-250!

Jun 23, 2005 | 12:55 AM

#10

Big O Dave

Tuned

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 320

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How does this look?

Would you mind elaborating a little more about how you made this happen?

Thanks!

Jun 23, 2005 | 04:16 PM

#11

emgee

Tuned

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 399

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From: Winnipeg Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5_labsownus

I'd like to see this. I've wanted to put in a newer, "smooth" (sans the stainless) tailgate. Got any pictures?

Jun 23, 2005 | 09:10 PM

#12

drumlinecowboy

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Slippery Rock University

OK... given, right off the body, they arent intercangable. BUT with a lil modding, they are. if u got a 1/2 hr and can weld/ know some that can weld... ur life will be good. ull need to get a donor 80-86 gate, though. the piece that aint compatable is a small 3/4 circle thing. if u cut that part off the donor, cut the other peice off the same side, and weld the donor piece on, ull be good to go. at least thats what i did. i got my gate brand new cheap lol. either that or u can get a Gator Net. if u want pix, look @ my gallery. i think theres some in there.

Aug 19, 2005 | 09:37 AM

#13

Caldwell F150

Mountain Pass

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 164

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From: Western, MD

I have an 82 F150 and I got a free tailgate from an 87 F150. It does not fit because of the latches and hinge cup. Can I remove the latches and hinge cups from the 87 and install on my 82 easily?

Aug 19, 2005 | 10:23 AM

#14

drumlinecowboy

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Slippery Rock University

if u know how to weld, yes. i suck @ welding, so i had my mechanic do it. it took him maybe 10 min if that. when u take the orig cup off, make sure u cut it as close to the orig weld as possible. sawzall or air cutting wheel should do the trick. if u feel like not bein lazy, go for the trusty hacksaw lol. other than that, everything is a direct swap. My gate was a reman from JC Whitney with all the internals already in itmad for 87-96. just becareful. i did this one the 1st day i got my baby, bout a year n 1/2 ago.

* if u have a prob with it unlatching... like it feels like one side just isnt lifting, take the center piece off of her (thing w/ the phillips head screws). one of the rods might be bent. that happened to me.

good luck man and hope if serves its purpose well.

Mike

Last edited by drumlinecowboy; Aug 19, 2005 at 10:28 AM. Reason: addition to orig post