Tailgate options?
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 332
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From: SE of Bennett Colorado
Tailgate options?
89 F250, 460/7.5, EFI, C6 Auto, 4x4, Long bed, reg cab
Okay, so I backed into a mail post and shattered my red reflective strip that also has "ford' on it.
Since the junkyards are empty of such device, and the replacement piece is WAY too expensive, I'm looking to get a whole new tailgate.
Are there decent aftermarket tailgates available that would fit my truck with the "F O R D" stamped into the tailgate itself that would fit my truck?
Okay, so I backed into a mail post and shattered my red reflective strip that also has "ford' on it.
Since the junkyards are empty of such device, and the replacement piece is WAY too expensive, I'm looking to get a whole new tailgate.
Are there decent aftermarket tailgates available that would fit my truck with the "F O R D" stamped into the tailgate itself that would fit my truck?
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,791
Likes: 99
From: Ashland City, TN
I'm kinda in this market.
But i want one of the older all metal ones without the plastic in the back to rattle and crack.
I think you could get them on the 88's?
my 91 had one *shrugs*
Just the metal, with the indentation, and no plastic, but it says ford inside inlayed.
But i want one of the older all metal ones without the plastic in the back to rattle and crack.
I think you could get them on the 88's?
my 91 had one *shrugs*
Just the metal, with the indentation, and no plastic, but it says ford inside inlayed.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 2
From: Hawkeye Country
Older tailgates like the ones on my 82 and 86 have FORD stamped into gate its self. If you could find a decent tailgate from a 80-86 you could paint it to match you truck.
The gate on my 86 is held by cables, the gate on my 82 has metal swing arms. If you can find one with cables it'll be a direct swap onto your truck, if you find one with metal swing arms you can swap the cables from your current tailgate.
The gate on my 86 is held by cables, the gate on my 82 has metal swing arms. If you can find one with cables it'll be a direct swap onto your truck, if you find one with metal swing arms you can swap the cables from your current tailgate.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 4
From: Michigan
I was just talking to a bodyshop about replacing the tailgate. He said the aftermarket gates are pretty weak. He said not to put anything heavy on it or it may bend. If you go aftermarket, beware.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 829
Likes: 1
From: Goose Creek SC
Try
http://car-part.com/index.htm
I was able to find a new tailgate for my Flareside there.......it was 4 hrs away but well worth the trip.
You might find one a lot closer.
Good Luck
Bob
http://car-part.com/index.htm
I was able to find a new tailgate for my Flareside there.......it was 4 hrs away but well worth the trip.
You might find one a lot closer.
Good Luck
Bob
Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,958
Likes: 228
Why not just get a correct year tailgate the is plane then paint to match and then either put the FORD sticker on the one side like the XL trucks or get a Ford oval and/or F150 emblem like the 97 F250 and F350 XLT that are still the same body style. An 80-86 gate will have slightly different body lines at the top.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,635
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From: The Wilderness
Also, I cant remember the break in years, but on top of the cable or metal arm thing, the 80s have a different latch mechanism up until late 80s sometime. If someone else knows the date, let him know.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,791
Likes: 99
From: Ashland City, TN
Yea, aftermarket anythign is weak.
The farm truck on the farm i managed had an aftermarket door and fender.
They didn't match up, and they were super weak.
both my ford tailgates were bent slightly. If you put on an aftermarket one. Then your asking for trouble.
The farm truck on the farm i managed had an aftermarket door and fender.
They didn't match up, and they were super weak.
both my ford tailgates were bent slightly. If you put on an aftermarket one. Then your asking for trouble.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
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i've been in the same boat as you for several months since i bought it. i think the guy before me unhooked the gooseneck and pulled away without putting the tailgate down.
anyway, anything quality for a replacement looks to be $300 minimum. not even stock looking, the vented ones, or other HD ones are even more expensive. i've used a 2x4 for the longest time. it doesn't look great, but it makes backing up a breeze and i've actually used the 2x4 on several occasions. best part, only cost $2. it fits perfectly too. i *might* upgrade to one of the recycled plastic 2x6's or something. it'd be a little taller and weather proof for $20.
anyway, anything quality for a replacement looks to be $300 minimum. not even stock looking, the vented ones, or other HD ones are even more expensive. i've used a 2x4 for the longest time. it doesn't look great, but it makes backing up a breeze and i've actually used the 2x4 on several occasions. best part, only cost $2. it fits perfectly too. i *might* upgrade to one of the recycled plastic 2x6's or something. it'd be a little taller and weather proof for $20.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 491
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From: Boyd,TX
There's a place on Ebay that sells Ford tailgates (in the black) don't know if they will work on yours they are $198.00 and the shipping is outrageous (almost as much as the tailgate), but they're new.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 98
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i put an aftermarket tailgate on my 1991 and it bends if you stand on it super super weak a big p.o.s. however it only cost me 90 bucks when the oem ford one would have cost me 500! so i figured i could buy several aftermarket tailgates for the price of one oem
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