sfbusch

I'm looking to replace my 87 F150 rear tailgate. currently I have an XLT version with the aluminum and plastic reflecting trim. I'm repainting my truck and I'd like to replace the rear tailgate with the 'standard' version tailgate that had FORD stamped into the metal without the aluminum trim. Any ideas?

I've not taken the trim off the current tailgate, but I'm assuming that my tailgate will not feature the FORD stamping behind the trim, but rather feature mounting holes for the aluminum trim. anyone know different?

thanks-

Fordboy9

Some had the letters behind the trim. Pull the insper pannel off the back and see if they are stamped. If it has them I've seen people weld the holes up with washers so they have the stamped tailgate. Of its not stamped you can try junkyards and Craig's list.

sfbusch

Thanks for the reply. I'll pull the panel off and see if I have the stamped version or not. The tailgate is in fine shape, so maybe a little welding and I'm already set.

rmoore45

fordboy already gave you a good answer but I'll add a bit. Look in junkyards. I found a pristine tailgate for my 95 F150 on sunday that was the correct color and everything for $55. Sometimes you get lucky.

tech2009

help! in dire need of a tailgate for a flareside pickup. i understand that ll models 87-96 will fit, but can't find a single company that makes it. any suggestions?

Sdowdle541

Don't know if it's still on the truck but in the picture you can see it has/had one!
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ptd/4923879101.html

tech2009

from tech 2009---Sdowdle541 thank you so much for that picture. it is a tailgate that is in great shape for its age and it's bought and on its way to memphis. thank you and this forum sooo much...

Sdowdle541

Glad it worked out for you. Said you were in Louisiana!? On your profile though I thought.

tech2009

yes you are correct. my "hand picked father" after I lost the original is building a truck for his grandson who just turned 16. it is a standard. which on a fine tennessee chilly morning was in reverse. he gets in, pushes the clutch and the truck does nothing. Without thinking he opens the hood and jumps the solenoid, the truck starts right up and proceeds backwards (he is 77) there insues the chase just in time to dive into the cab and apply his hand to the brake pedal, but not until the tailgate, which was down, slammed into a tree, demolishing it. but he was definitely lucky, both that the truck did not run over him and that the bumper and flare sides were not inclusive to the damage. Any way he was unsuccessful in locating one by the time our usual phone conversation two weeks ago (he is suffering a battle with colon cancer and lots of days does not feel good enough to get out of bed or even to talk). so I picked up the ball and got in touch with a great bunch of guys who definately came through for me and him. when I called him yesterday he was too weak to talk, but his wife took down the info that i got from the junkyard on condition, price, and shipping. she paid and it is on its way. she said he was extatic! Here's to hoping he can finish the job. Well done 150 forum members. a special shout too you Sdowdle541. thanks! tech2009