Tail Gate Enhancement
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 785
Likes: 6
From: Columbus, Ohio
Tail Gate Enhancement
Take a look at Ebay #4587486677. This is JUST what I want to do with my tailgate. I've always thought the "tacked on" look of the Styleside 'gate was less than thought out. I thought it would be nice to put the sheet metal waterfall design of the bed sides on the tailgate as well, for continuity.
As luck would have it, this truck's owner on Ebay thought the same thing! Now it's driving me nuts! My idea is to get a new tailgate w/hidden hinges, reskin it, and get it on my truck. The question is - what tailgate would come closest to working for the project???
As luck would have it, this truck's owner on Ebay thought the same thing! Now it's driving me nuts! My idea is to get a new tailgate w/hidden hinges, reskin it, and get it on my truck. The question is - what tailgate would come closest to working for the project???
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
Sixoh -
Wow. You're right. That is a beautiful truck. And the gate is a perfect finishing touch to it. I've never been a big fan of the refrigerator series trucks, but that one is really sweet.
As to what donor might have the same contour gate? I have no clue. But I wish you well on the search. Keep us updated on the progress. It will be a fun project.
Didn't WillyB have this same idea? I thought he had some ideas and leads on the same plan.
Wow. You're right. That is a beautiful truck. And the gate is a perfect finishing touch to it. I've never been a big fan of the refrigerator series trucks, but that one is really sweet.
As to what donor might have the same contour gate? I have no clue. But I wish you well on the search. Keep us updated on the progress. It will be a fun project.
Didn't WillyB have this same idea? I thought he had some ideas and leads on the same plan.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
Damn, don't think I will ever finish mine - now I want an extended cab! Thanks for posting the link (I think!)
While I agree the tail end of these trucks needs help, please don't think Ford didn't think the design through. Its a working truck, the tailgate is designed that way to open and hang stright down, so you can back up hard against a loading dock. My bumper is also notched to allow this.
It is great for loading horses (requires a stock rack) or rolling barrels of beer into the box (requires several friends, but everybody is willing to help in a good cause!)
On mine, I am using the entire rear off a 87 Ford - tailgate and all. I also don't like the tail lights and this gives me the more modern design that also works as side marker lights. I will have to section 2 inches out of the gate.
While I agree the tail end of these trucks needs help, please don't think Ford didn't think the design through. Its a working truck, the tailgate is designed that way to open and hang stright down, so you can back up hard against a loading dock. My bumper is also notched to allow this.
It is great for loading horses (requires a stock rack) or rolling barrels of beer into the box (requires several friends, but everybody is willing to help in a good cause!)
On mine, I am using the entire rear off a 87 Ford - tailgate and all. I also don't like the tail lights and this gives me the more modern design that also works as side marker lights. I will have to section 2 inches out of the gate.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 785
Likes: 6
From: Columbus, Ohio
Hey ***** - do you have any tech pics of that?? I am going to keep my bed, but reskin the newer tailgate to match the bedsides. I also will use the modern hidden latch stuff, too. I have an email in to the owner of that truck to see if I can get any info there.
I didn't mean Ford goofed on the truck's bed design - these trucks definitely were workhorses, not plush cruisers of today. It just seems a little abrupt at the rear end, like they didn't put much design intot he tailgate iteself, but rather used a similar design to the step side tailgate.
I think everyone's in agreement that the tail lights on our trucks are a big "HUH??? That's it?!?". I have made frenched housings I'm about to install on my bed, and have 2 pair of '59 Cad tail lights to put in them. I'm trying to wait until I have the tail gate issue resolved, so I can get good symmetry on the tail light placement.
I didn't mean Ford goofed on the truck's bed design - these trucks definitely were workhorses, not plush cruisers of today. It just seems a little abrupt at the rear end, like they didn't put much design intot he tailgate iteself, but rather used a similar design to the step side tailgate.
I think everyone's in agreement that the tail lights on our trucks are a big "HUH??? That's it?!?". I have made frenched housings I'm about to install on my bed, and have 2 pair of '59 Cad tail lights to put in them. I'm trying to wait until I have the tail gate issue resolved, so I can get good symmetry on the tail light placement.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
Sorry, sixoh, it is just a concept now. It is on my list for this winter, unless I really do decide to make an extended cab. If so, it will be next summer!
I did post the idea with some pictures I made over - https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...light=tailgate
Also, I have been having fun using diecast models and wax to check out some of the darkside ideas I have. You might try that to see what your truck will look like before you start cutting sheetmetal!
I did post the idea with some pictures I made over - https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...light=tailgate
Also, I have been having fun using diecast models and wax to check out some of the darkside ideas I have. You might try that to see what your truck will look like before you start cutting sheetmetal!
