Help choosing which tailgate
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
The rubber groment on the bed (first picture, just below the "mr. met"), would also be a nice addition to silence rattles, and it's just held on with a screw.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,997
Likes: 2,746
From: Virginia
I am getting ready to make my own gate on my 89. Right now I have one of those black nets on it, and it's a real pain to deal with, and not very trustworthy for holding anything in. But it's lightweight, and I like the visibility it gives me when I am using my trailer and backing up to hook up or maneuver.
I am going to weld up a perimeter out of angle or square tubing, and then use a network of welded metal rods to look like the net, but be more solid and useful.
I am going to weld up a perimeter out of angle or square tubing, and then use a network of welded metal rods to look like the net, but be more solid and useful.
Methanoholic
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,442
Likes: 8
From: Maine (NorCal Native)
I purchased a LMC Tailgate for my 91 and it is flimsy and poorly welded (spot), Find an OEM or be prepared to re-work. Re-welding is a must else they'll fall apart!
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
Methanoholic
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,442
Likes: 8
From: Maine (NorCal Native)
I read somewhere on NPD's site that they are factory and when they run out they are gone!
By that I would assume they are the same as what originally came on the truck.
But assuming has got me in trouble more than once!
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
By that I would assume they are the same as what originally came on the truck.
But assuming has got me in trouble more than once!
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
From: washington
Great! I took all your advise and went to buy the OEM gate. Well they raised the price on me! The internet says 383.00 however when you add it to the cart it goes to 599. They said the price went up because ford quit making them......
I guess im gonna be stuck with a cheesy one from LMC
I guess im gonna be stuck with a cheesy one from LMC
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
From: washington
I don't plan on using this like a truck. It's a short bed and will be lowered. The most that will every be on the gate may be my dog! Hopefully I can reinforce it from the inside to help. I can weld so I'm not afraid to touch up any poor spot welds! I wish there was another option, but not for $600 bones!
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,997
Likes: 2,746
From: Virginia
They have those shiny aluminum diamond plate kits that you add to dress up tailgates. Maybe that would help reinforce the cheap tailgate. If the shiny silver look did not fit into the scheme of the truck, you could probably paint it to match the truck and it would not be as noticeable. The ones that fit over the lip of the tailgate, and then cover the whole inside would have to help it out some.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
From: washington
I've purchased one, so we will see. I will post my reinforcements when complete. I plan on welding some plate on it for extra support and covering it with the diamond plate suggestion. As for letters, I've got that covered. The truck will be grey so I'm planning on painting it charcoal color, putting ford decals on, then painting a lighter grey over it. once the decals are removed it should reveal nice ghost lettering. Then of course clear over everything. We will see!