Tailgate question

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Nov 18, 2001 | 02:22 PM

vooter61

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New User

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 13

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From: Brooklyn

Tailgate question

Hey, everyone:

I have an '88 full-size Bronco, and the bottom of the tailgate is basically shot through with rust (this seems to be a common problem with these trucks). The power window works fine (using either the key or the dashboard switch), as does the spare tire rack (although its connection to the tailgate appears to be getting a little weak).

I'll probably end up just replacing the tailgate, but I've seen "shell only" ads and was wondering if that might be the smarter way to go, assuming that all of the inner workings of the tailgate are okay.

Any thoughts?

Thanks--

Gary

Nov 18, 2001 | 04:43 PM

restorit

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 1,019

Likes: 3

From: Bismarck, ND

Tailgate question

Replacing the shell should be fine. You can have it painted to match your old gate, and in a weekend swap the inner glass, hinges, regulator, etc. over to it and install it on your truck. I know there is a considerable price difference between the Ford shell and the aftermarket ones. I would imagine the aftermarket shells may be made of thinner-guaged material, and may not fit as well, but there may be some quality ones out there, also, which would be less expensive than a factory replacement.

Nov 18, 2001 | 08:01 PM

vooter61

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 13

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From: Brooklyn

Tailgate question

Thanks for the help!

Gary

Nov 19, 2001 | 09:49 AM

tamarackstyle

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Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 157

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Tailgate question

I used an aftermarket from jc whitney. everything bolted up fine and only took a couple of hours. check the condition of the access panel on the inside. mine was shot! the only place I have found them is bronco graveyard (diamond tread)

Nov 19, 2001 | 04:28 PM

heybrent

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 194

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From: Austin USA

Tailgate question

Aftermarket tailgates are much thinner and will dent a lot easier than the original tailgate. I have two tailgates which I am selling but shipping I have found is OUTRAGEOUS for the 95 lbs and size. Email me if you want to ask me anything else.

Brent

p.s. These shells are 80-86 versions but they will fit all the newer models and have no rust on them.

Nov 19, 2001 | 07:32 PM

AlM

Posting Guru

Joined: Mar 2000

Posts: 2,306

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Tailgate question

look here at Dustin's excellent t gate replacement article w/pics!
http://users.superford.org/ylobronc/tailgate/tailgate.html

he used certifit:
http://www.certifit.com/index.html