TAILGATE
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2002
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TAILGATE
Hi, got a question. I have a 1979 Ford F-150 Ranger XLT. I'm trying to price a replacement tailgate, trim and all. It needs painted, two tone, the thin pieces of trim that seperate the two tone paint, the big trim piece in the middle that says FORD, and of course, I need a tailgate. Anyone have a round about figure of what this would cost to get the tailgate, all the trim, and to get the thing painted. Thanks very much. By the way, if your curious, some idiot backed into me in a brand new Chevy 4X4, dang near tore off his bumper 
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 50
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From: Hallsville USA
TAILGATE
If you are looking for an exact OEM replacement, they are very expensive. I also think they are a little hard to come by in decent condition. I had an old rusty one and some guy saw it from the highway and drove all the way up the driveway and offered to buy it.
The ones I have found in the wrecking yard have been pretty beat up.
I can't find my most recent LMC catalog but I think the OEM one with FORD stamped on it was about $400. The plain one was much cheaper. Somewhere around $100. This doesn't include the chrome pieces. They are separate.
I don't know about AutoKrafters. They may have them, and may be cheaper too.
Has anyone had any dealings with Autokrafters?
The ones I have found in the wrecking yard have been pretty beat up.
I can't find my most recent LMC catalog but I think the OEM one with FORD stamped on it was about $400. The plain one was much cheaper. Somewhere around $100. This doesn't include the chrome pieces. They are separate.
I don't know about AutoKrafters. They may have them, and may be cheaper too.
Has anyone had any dealings with Autokrafters?
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 913
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From: Canada
TAILGATE
I've got the LMC (www.LMCtruck.com) Catalogue here and the tailgate with letters sells for $499.95. The one without Letters is $89.95. These are for style sides and do not include any hardware at all and no chrome pieces.
A good place to check is ebay - there is always stuff there, but you've got to watch the prices and some of the sellers - always check feedback ratings before bidding! I've bought a quite a few items there, and only had one bad deal.
Hope this helps.
A good place to check is ebay - there is always stuff there, but you've got to watch the prices and some of the sellers - always check feedback ratings before bidding! I've bought a quite a few items there, and only had one bad deal.
Hope this helps.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 92
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TAILGATE
Expensive. . .
You're better to buy a used OEM tailgate especially if you will have it painted. A two tone paint job may run you $300 (because the materials will be at least $150). Maybe less but don't let them paint with "cheap" paint or you'll be very sorry in the years after. Specifically make sure they use a Urethane based material-no enamels acrylic or whatever, certainly no lacquers.
Some yards out West are smart enough that if they have a tailgate with trim, they don't let you remove it. I'd say you'll pay $300 for a complete used gate. I'd avoid the aftermarket tailgates since they are usually made in Taiwan or something of thin guage steel. They are not always dimensionally correct. *I did remove some small dents in my OEM tailgate before doing a complete new paint job-that is some very very tough steel!
I'd pay the guy who posted one above-whatever shipping is its worth it. True though, many tailgates in wrecking yards are pretty beat up by now. A good Ford truck is worth the dollars listed above to keep in good shape.
You're better to buy a used OEM tailgate especially if you will have it painted. A two tone paint job may run you $300 (because the materials will be at least $150). Maybe less but don't let them paint with "cheap" paint or you'll be very sorry in the years after. Specifically make sure they use a Urethane based material-no enamels acrylic or whatever, certainly no lacquers.
Some yards out West are smart enough that if they have a tailgate with trim, they don't let you remove it. I'd say you'll pay $300 for a complete used gate. I'd avoid the aftermarket tailgates since they are usually made in Taiwan or something of thin guage steel. They are not always dimensionally correct. *I did remove some small dents in my OEM tailgate before doing a complete new paint job-that is some very very tough steel!
I'd pay the guy who posted one above-whatever shipping is its worth it. True though, many tailgates in wrecking yards are pretty beat up by now. A good Ford truck is worth the dollars listed above to keep in good shape.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: LA, CA
TAILGATE
Just found this place yesterday...
www.ford-auto-body-parts.com
They list a tailgate for 73-79 for $44.95, regularly $79+change.
Gotta wonder about quality at that price! But it all depends on what you need and can afford. Must be awful light gauge steel at that rate, but think of the savings in freight over the OEM part!
Don't ask me I'm just here for the beer :-)
www.ford-auto-body-parts.com
They list a tailgate for 73-79 for $44.95, regularly $79+change.
Gotta wonder about quality at that price! But it all depends on what you need and can afford. Must be awful light gauge steel at that rate, but think of the savings in freight over the OEM part!
Don't ask me I'm just here for the beer :-)
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