tailgate question
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
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tailgate question
I have a 1985 F-150 that needs a replacement tailgate because mine is rusted at the bottom as most are. I have looked around in the junkyards but all of the 80-86 tailgates are either rusted beyond repair or dented real bad. There are plenty of good 87-96 tailgates but I noticed the latching systems are totally different on the bed and the innards of the tailgate itself. Is there any way to make one work on the 85? I have seen some 80-86 trucks with the 87 and up tailgate but how the owners got them to work is a mystery to me. Any ideas?
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Wonder Lake, Illinois
I had a similar problem with my '86 F250 gate. I looked around all the junkyards, to no avail. But, I did find a brand new, painted tailgate on JC Whitney.com for about $50. It shipped in 2 days. My buddy and I just took all the guts out of the old one, and put it into the new one. Works and looks great! Problem solved. Let me know what you do, and good luck!
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
You can swap a newer tailgate on, you will need all the hardware that goes with it. The latch striker bolts, pivot mounts(newer ones are smaller). I did this conversion a while back before I did my body swap, even made an article and submitted to the site, but they never went anywhere with it. 
It's not a direct bolt on replacement, but if you can work a power drill you can do it. If you do go that route, and have more questions, feel free to ask.
It's not a direct bolt on replacement, but if you can work a power drill you can do it. If you do go that route, and have more questions, feel free to ask.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 5
From: Out of here
I have this one for sale with the aluminum insert if you would like to keep it original.
I was going to use it on my truck, but I found another mint one without the insert and put that one on instead.
I have all of the letters for the panel and I have stripped and started to polish it already and it looks better than what is shown in the pictures but it's going to need some elbow grease to make it perfect. The factory annodizing has been removed and it's starting to shine very nicely.
I've sold and shipped several before and it would not be too bad to VA.
I was going to use it on my truck, but I found another mint one without the insert and put that one on instead.
I have all of the letters for the panel and I have stripped and started to polish it already and it looks better than what is shown in the pictures but it's going to need some elbow grease to make it perfect. The factory annodizing has been removed and it's starting to shine very nicely.
I've sold and shipped several before and it would not be too bad to VA.
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach, VA
Hey Uncle Stosh,
Thanks for the offer but I am trying to swap mine out with a newer flush looking 87-91 jobber...actually found one for $45 today on craigslist and also might have a buyer for my old one with hardware from there too! I will defo keep you in mind for sourcing parts in the future, though. Thanks!
Thanks for the offer but I am trying to swap mine out with a newer flush looking 87-91 jobber...actually found one for $45 today on craigslist and also might have a buyer for my old one with hardware from there too! I will defo keep you in mind for sourcing parts in the future, though. Thanks!
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach, VA
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
I would just like to add, and to clear things up for people that might not know, that the tailgate sheetmetal and hardware are not all the same for 1980-1986.
The tailgate hardware went through some changes for the 1983 model year.
1980-1982 used Metal support arms.
1983-1986 used cables.
Putting a 1983-1986 tailgate on a 1980-1982 does require some modifications and you will need to drill some minor holes and slots for various hardware and rubber parts placement that are not present in the 1983-1986 tailgate sheet metal. If you want to use your existing hardware.
Putting a 1980-1982 tailgate on a 1983-1986 is not an issue, you will just have extra holes in the tailgate... etc...
This only affects used parts at wrecking yards though. New Tailgates that fit 1980-1986 have the holes pre drilled for both types of supports.
Here is a schematic for a 1980-1982 tailgate, for reference.
And for reference the 1980-1982 tailgate hardware and sheetmetal are heavier and better made in my opinion, than their 1983-1986 counterparts.
Hope this helps.
The tailgate hardware went through some changes for the 1983 model year.
1980-1982 used Metal support arms.
1983-1986 used cables.
Putting a 1983-1986 tailgate on a 1980-1982 does require some modifications and you will need to drill some minor holes and slots for various hardware and rubber parts placement that are not present in the 1983-1986 tailgate sheet metal. If you want to use your existing hardware.
Putting a 1980-1982 tailgate on a 1983-1986 is not an issue, you will just have extra holes in the tailgate... etc...
This only affects used parts at wrecking yards though. New Tailgates that fit 1980-1986 have the holes pre drilled for both types of supports.
Here is a schematic for a 1980-1982 tailgate, for reference.
And for reference the 1980-1982 tailgate hardware and sheetmetal are heavier and better made in my opinion, than their 1983-1986 counterparts.
Hope this helps.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
I see you asked for pics in both threads, but what do you want pics of? Do you want to see the newer tailgate mounted on the older truck or do you want to see the different hardware involved?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
I noticed it the other day.When I used to take the tailgate off my dad's 87, i'd have to hold it with two hands.When I took the tailgate off my 80 the other day,I was able to hold it under my right arm and carry it into the shop.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 3
From: La Vergne, TN
yeh its quite crazy the weight difference. When i put mine down and put it back up im like ok no big deals its virtually no weight. When i do the same to my dads 95 F150 im like omg i didnt know it weight this much. its easily twice as heavy if not 3x's