1985 F150 Tailgate options
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
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1985 F150 Tailgate options
Okay, Lets say I wanted to put a more flat tailgate on my f150, one that dosent have the big Aluminum piece across it. Could I put a tail gate off of a 87-96 F150 that does not have the aluminum piece across the tailgate? I thought about welding up the holes and pulling the it off the one that I have, but my tailgate is about shot anyway, might as well replace it with one that I want you know. Anyway, let me know if you know....LOL.
thanks again,
Josh
thanks again,
Josh
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,271
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From: Mexia, TX
I think some 80-86 trucks had plain tailgates too. They weren't the flat kind like you're referring to, but they just said FORD in big stamped letters, with a rectangular recessed area around that. My truck used to have one like that before I put a flow-through tailgate on it.
As far as swapping out the tailgate for a later one, I'm not familiar with what has to be done, so someone else'll have to answer that one. I'd rather do that then quote off what I've read and picked up on, but haven't done myself. :\
As far as swapping out the tailgate for a later one, I'm not familiar with what has to be done, so someone else'll have to answer that one. I'd rather do that then quote off what I've read and picked up on, but haven't done myself. :\
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 153
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From: Selkirk NY
The tailgate from an 87-96 will fit however you will also need to get the latches and striker assemblies from the newer truck because they are different too. You will probably have to do some drilling to attach the strikers but it can be done. You may also want to get the newer tail lights too as the 80-86 lights might look a bit strange with the newer tailgate.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,271
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From: Mexia, TX
That's what I had read was involved, but I wasn't sure.
The only problem I see is that the area below the taillights on the 87-later beds are more rounded than the 80-86 ones (80-86 are more sharply angled), so the new tailgate may not follow the earlier body lines exactly. I may be wrong, though.
The only problem I see is that the area below the taillights on the 87-later beds are more rounded than the 80-86 ones (80-86 are more sharply angled), so the new tailgate may not follow the earlier body lines exactly. I may be wrong, though.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Be aware that the 1985-1986 large Aluminum tailgate piece is a rare piece and is very sought after in good condition.
So don't just chuck it, if it is in good condition. It is worth $$$.
So don't just chuck it, if it is in good condition. It is worth $$$.
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 43
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From: Conway, AR
i myself have an 84 shortbed with the indented tailgate. i've seen our bodystyle truck with a later model tailgate. looked really good, just like it would off the line. try lookin around on cardomain for some pics.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,147
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From: Vine Grove KY
Just to update this thread. I tried an 89 tailgate on my 86. You have to take the hinges off the 89 bed, and the strikers. You then have to modify the hinges because the bolt holes are narrower on the 89 hinges than the 86 bolt holes. Then it will sit on the truck.
Here is the tricky part. The latch and strikers. I found that you cannot use the 89 latches on the 86 strikers. So I thought I would use the 86 latches on the 89 tailgate. Nope, ain't going to work unless you do major sheet metal work on the tailgate. The inside edges of the 89 tailgate (the gap between the gate and the bed) is narrower than on the 86. You cannot use the 89 strikers on the 86 bed either unless you are willing to again do major sheet metal work to the bed.
For what its worth, just get a matching year tailgate and save the headache. I now have an 89' tailgate up for sale if anyone wants it!! $40!!
Here is the tricky part. The latch and strikers. I found that you cannot use the 89 latches on the 86 strikers. So I thought I would use the 86 latches on the 89 tailgate. Nope, ain't going to work unless you do major sheet metal work on the tailgate. The inside edges of the 89 tailgate (the gap between the gate and the bed) is narrower than on the 86. You cannot use the 89 strikers on the 86 bed either unless you are willing to again do major sheet metal work to the bed.
For what its worth, just get a matching year tailgate and save the headache. I now have an 89' tailgate up for sale if anyone wants it!! $40!!
Elder User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 978
Likes: 1
From: Covington VA
I solved this eith the curved washers from a old set of shocks. Had to use washers on the hinges too or the gate will fall off the hinges. Like you said gate is narrower. It can be done. Its not real pretty but if its what you can get you will take it.
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