Help choosing which tailgate
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Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 662
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From: washington
Help choosing which tailgate
I need a new replacement tailgate as the one that was on my truck was stolen!
I see NPD has a original replacement gate for 363.87 and a reproduction one for 129.95. LMC has a reproduction one as well for 99.95.
Has anyone ever bought one of these gates. I assume that the original replacement gate is better quality (thicker steel) but I am not sure. I am unfortunately going to have to hunt the scrap yards for the hardware kit. I don't want a piece of junk, but would rather save money if possible.
What do you guys think?
I see NPD has a original replacement gate for 363.87 and a reproduction one for 129.95. LMC has a reproduction one as well for 99.95.
Has anyone ever bought one of these gates. I assume that the original replacement gate is better quality (thicker steel) but I am not sure. I am unfortunately going to have to hunt the scrap yards for the hardware kit. I don't want a piece of junk, but would rather save money if possible.
What do you guys think?
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 701
Likes: 17
From: Alberta, Canada
Since you'll be going to the wreckers for hardware, are there any tailgates in acceptable shape there?
Depending on what you find and what you would be willing to take, that would be your best bet. An original Ford gate for even a fraction of the cost of LMC's repro.
Depending on what you find and what you would be willing to take, that would be your best bet. An original Ford gate for even a fraction of the cost of LMC's repro.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 662
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From: washington
I highly doubt that I would find a gate that would be in good enough shape for me. I am restoring the truck and want it to be in near perfect shape. I may get lucky, but highly doubt it!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
What year is the truck?
There were two types of tailgates for 1980-1986 trucks.
1980-1982 have solid metal support arms.
1983-1986 use cable suports.
The aftermarket gates are designed for both 1980-1986.
Much better to get a Ford Gate. The aftermarket ones are known for being shoddy.
There were two types of tailgates for 1980-1986 trucks.
1980-1982 have solid metal support arms.
1983-1986 use cable suports.
The aftermarket gates are designed for both 1980-1986.
Much better to get a Ford Gate. The aftermarket ones are known for being shoddy.
FTE Legend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 56,542
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From: In my own world
I bought an after market gate. It looks the same, but it's not. it sits about 1/2" shorter than the oem gate, the lines don't exactly line up, has horrible spot welds, that had to be ground down before painting. and the worst part....It crushed in the middle from me getting up on the truck. You can save money if you just want a quick gate, but your better off in the long run, putting oem gate back on the truck
FTE Legend
Joined: May 2008
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From: In my own world
don't know about the gates, but I bought some 1/4's for my car from them, and they were really nice
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pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
I bought an aftermarket "Gordon" brand tailgate for under $100.
It came pre-dented in the carton, was as thin as a tin can, I had to fill it with foam to keep it from oilcanning, the corners and structure were missing spot welds so I had to weld it before I did the bodywork so that I could reprime and paint it.
After all that it folded within a month so I went back and fixed the rust in the lower edge of my stock one.
It came pre-dented in the carton, was as thin as a tin can, I had to fill it with foam to keep it from oilcanning, the corners and structure were missing spot welds so I had to weld it before I did the bodywork so that I could reprime and paint it.
After all that it folded within a month so I went back and fixed the rust in the lower edge of my stock one.
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 5
From: Out of here
What year is the truck?
There were two types of tailgates for 1980-1986 trucks.
1980-1982 have solid metal support arms.
1983-1986 use cable suports.
The aftermarket gates are designed for both 1980-1986.
Much better to get a Ford Gate. The aftermarket ones are known for being shoddy.
There were two types of tailgates for 1980-1986 trucks.
1980-1982 have solid metal support arms.
1983-1986 use cable suports.
The aftermarket gates are designed for both 1980-1986.
Much better to get a Ford Gate. The aftermarket ones are known for being shoddy.
Just wondering....
FTE Legend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 56,542
Likes: 0
From: In my own world
yes they can, gate threaded inserts will support either way, you need the mount bolt for the bed wall, and the one into the gate. only problem I found is the cables want to twist when closed, and don't lie flat,you can see them on the inside of the bed, but that don't bother me
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 5
From: Out of here
My truck has a nice tailgate on it now that uses cables, but eventually I'm going to swap it out for another 80-82 tailgate that I have with the aluminum insert (I like it cause it looks more "old school").
I guess I'll find the necessary bolt for the top of the bed and use the metal supports instead. I know what you mean by the cable twisting, but it has never given me any problems.
I guess I'll find the necessary bolt for the top of the bed and use the metal supports instead. I know what you mean by the cable twisting, but it has never given me any problems.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
From what I see, yes. To go from arms to cables is easiest. You will have to replace the "quick disconnects" on the bed that accepts the arms, for the one that accepts the cables.
If you go from cables to support arms, and using a 1983-1986 gate, you will have to drill two holes and weld a nut or something for the third bolt that holds the arm on for each side.
There are also holes in the 1980-1982 gate for the rubber groments to keep the supports from slapping around the gate when it's closed, so you would have to cut those as well.
If you go from cables to support arms, and using a 1983-1986 gate, you will have to drill two holes and weld a nut or something for the third bolt that holds the arm on for each side.
There are also holes in the 1980-1982 gate for the rubber groments to keep the supports from slapping around the gate when it's closed, so you would have to cut those as well.
FTE Legend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 56,542
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From: In my own world
I kinda don't like the steel rods. they make it a pain to remove the gate, and have a potential to come in croked, and scratch up your new paint. guess the good point is that they don't snap. or break, wich is a whole nother story
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 5
From: Out of here
I have both styles of tailgates.
I would just need to swap out the top pins where the cables connect. I'm assuming that they are different.
Should be easy enough.
Like I said, I like the older tailgate better with the small aluminum insert with FORD on it. Looks better IMO and would match my 80 hood with the FORD letters across the front and the 80 grille (sans FORD oval).
I would just need to swap out the top pins where the cables connect. I'm assuming that they are different.
Should be easy enough.
Like I said, I like the older tailgate better with the small aluminum insert with FORD on it. Looks better IMO and would match my 80 hood with the FORD letters across the front and the 80 grille (sans FORD oval).
