Tailgate letters theives, help!
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2007
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Tailgate letters theives, help!
Some low-life decided that he needed my F250 tailgate letters more than I did. The plastic chrome 2"X4" letters that spell out "FORD" on the tailgate of my '86 truck. Any ideas where to get these letters from? I checked our local junkyard, various websites, no luck. Dealer probably wants $500 a letter and I can't afford that right now, so that idea is out as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2007
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This truck has 40,000 ORIGINAL miles. I'm trying to sell it, that's why I need the "F" because other than that it is in pretty much perfect condition, almost like the day it rolled off the showroom floor.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
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I have some extra letters for the tailgate piece like you have. I have F-O-R. They arent in the best shape but if you just need one to put on to sell it, it should work. There should be a pic of it in my gallery, its the F on the piece of reflector that is broke off. I dont know how much its worth so just give me an offer.
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Junior User
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I'm selling it for $5,000 without the letter on the tailgate, with the letter is $5,500.00 The truck is perfect like new inside and out. I had to replace both fuel tanks with brand new fuel tanks, pumps, regulator and carb because it sat for almost 20 years in a garage and the fuel turned to varnish.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
Not to get this off topic, but what models and years of trucks came with that style tailgate? I prefer that over the one I got, All mine is the FORD stamped into the tailgate. Would that be the bottom of the line model? Also this isnt the original tailgate. My truck is the XL model so should it have a tailgate like above?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
Not to get this off topic, but what models and years of trucks came with that style tailgate? I prefer that over the one I got, All mine is the FORD stamped into the tailgate. Would that be the bottom of the line model? Also this isnt the original tailgate. My truck is the XL model so should it have a tailgate like above?
That tailgate panel was avaliable for 1985-1986 only.
The Ranger XLT and Lariat of 1980-1981
and the XLT Lariat of 1982-1984 had a different finish panel like this one here: http://www.fedrelandsvennen.no/amcar.../bilder/11.jpg .
The Custom and Ranger of 1981-1981, and the base model and XL of 1982-1986 didn't have a finish panel.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
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From: Florence, SC
That's correct. That style tailgate finish panel was ONLY available in 1985 - 1986, and it came with the "XLT Lariat" package. Those are VERY RARE to find today, and NO ONE reproduces these panels. Believe me, I have checked.
The funny thing is, ALL of the the other style panels ARE reproduced; only the 1985 - 1986 finish panel is left out. You can get the 1980 - 1984, the 1987 - 1991, and the 1992 - 1996 style panels, but they are $$$. Dennis Carpenter has been "promising" the 1985 - 1986 style since 2004, but so far hasn't made any.
I think the two hardest things to find for this generation of trucks are the 1985 - 1986 tailgate finish panel and the optional UPPER vinyl side moulding that is black with the bright insert that also was available ONLY in 1985 and 1986. For some reason, 1985 - 1986 specific trim pieces are next to IMPOSSIBLE to find, and are not being reproduced.
I got lucky and found a NOS (New Old Stock) panel about 2 years ago on ebay. These panels retailed for $500.00 from Ford and have been obsolete for about 15 years!
The funny thing is, ALL of the the other style panels ARE reproduced; only the 1985 - 1986 finish panel is left out. You can get the 1980 - 1984, the 1987 - 1991, and the 1992 - 1996 style panels, but they are $$$. Dennis Carpenter has been "promising" the 1985 - 1986 style since 2004, but so far hasn't made any.
I think the two hardest things to find for this generation of trucks are the 1985 - 1986 tailgate finish panel and the optional UPPER vinyl side moulding that is black with the bright insert that also was available ONLY in 1985 and 1986. For some reason, 1985 - 1986 specific trim pieces are next to IMPOSSIBLE to find, and are not being reproduced.
I got lucky and found a NOS (New Old Stock) panel about 2 years ago on ebay. These panels retailed for $500.00 from Ford and have been obsolete for about 15 years!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
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From: Florida
The 85-86 is flat,where the 87-96 Panels are a "raised" design.Also,I believe the 85-86 had different letters than the 87-91.87-91 panels had a red strip,while 92-96 had a black strip.I'm not too sure on this,but I think some of the black strips had letters,but alot of the ones I see have a blue oval.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 410
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From: Norfolk, VA
As far as the letters go, you can check www.lmctruck.com or National Parts Depot. they would have them unless sold out.
I'm also looking for this 85-86 panel too so if anyone might have one for sale, let me know. Thanks.
I'm also looking for this 85-86 panel too so if anyone might have one for sale, let me know. Thanks.