Aftermarket Tailgate
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 713
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From: Augusta.GA
Aftermarket Tailgate
Anyone have experience with aftermarket tailgates? I've got a '78 f100 lariat project just started and finding tailgates is difficult. Some have cautioned about being careful about buying aftermarket tailgates.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
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From: Millersville, MD
Just be aware that they are lighter - hence are probably NOT as strong. Ebay has them listed and if you are not experanced in painting, etc. They have some listed that come all ready to put on. Be careful, some only come withOUT the hardware!! ( Like the latches etc.) If in doubt, email the seller....do NOT bid unless you are sure you want that tailgate. Otherwise, hunt the auto/truck graveyards. Use your phone to do most of the walking. Because of the age, be ready to take something that is not perfect. Good Luck in your hunt.
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Augusta.GA
Good advice to use the phone, but I've had limited success. Still, it might have saved me a hundred mile trip. In other instances they get vague, say we might have a few, etc.
The taking something not perfect and knowing how much to pay is a learning curve I think. I found one for $550 without shipping cost included and a grille shell for just under $300. I've got two trucks to feed and prices like that make me seriously consider just buying another whole for parts though I don't think I could get away with it at home and neighborhood.
I've got another thread where I asked if a bowed tailgate could get fixed and most said no. It was fairly straight in front.
The taking something not perfect and knowing how much to pay is a learning curve I think. I found one for $550 without shipping cost included and a grille shell for just under $300. I've got two trucks to feed and prices like that make me seriously consider just buying another whole for parts though I don't think I could get away with it at home and neighborhood.
I've got another thread where I asked if a bowed tailgate could get fixed and most said no. It was fairly straight in front.
Playing in the Dirt
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,302
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From: Southwest Georgia
Have you tryed LMC Truck or Jeff's Bronco Graveyard (site sponsor). I think (but don't know for sure) that LMC Truck has OEM grade ones, call them and ask. The one that Jeff's sell are lighter, but if you don't use it alot it would be O.K. as is. If you do use it, put a full tailgate protector on it and it stiffens up pretty good.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,037
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From: Kasson, Minnesota
OEM Tailgates:
National Parts Depot: 499.95 free shipping over 300.00 orders.
Dennis Carpenter: 375.00 shipping around 60.00
LMC: 399.95 shipping 100.00
Blue Oval Truck parts: 429.00 shipping around 60.00
Jeff's Bronco Graveyard: 325.00 shipping (call for quote)
No hardware included in any of these companies. These are the most popular companies to buy OEM new tailgates. Aftermarket tailgates are around 100.00, don't know how they fit. I would be curious to see how they fit also. i have a nice OEM tailgate that looks good from the outside, but the inside is a little bowed. I'll still probably use it though.
National Parts Depot: 499.95 free shipping over 300.00 orders.
Dennis Carpenter: 375.00 shipping around 60.00
LMC: 399.95 shipping 100.00
Blue Oval Truck parts: 429.00 shipping around 60.00
Jeff's Bronco Graveyard: 325.00 shipping (call for quote)
No hardware included in any of these companies. These are the most popular companies to buy OEM new tailgates. Aftermarket tailgates are around 100.00, don't know how they fit. I would be curious to see how they fit also. i have a nice OEM tailgate that looks good from the outside, but the inside is a little bowed. I'll still probably use it though.
Last edited by bucks77ford; Jun 22, 2006 at 01:49 AM.
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 713
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From: Augusta.GA
Hey, thanks for the great information! Presenting it as you did is real helpful. I've been to all those places but somewhow the OEM part was overlooked by me. I've got to find the trim too and even before considering that the costs are approaching what I paid for the truck. Does anyone know how shows rate / grade truck restorations? They deduct for aftermarket right?
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