'86 Tailgate

[ZanyZane]

It's exhausting trying to find the red trim piece.  I was wondering if under all the trim stuff does it actually says F O R D embossed like on the '78s?



And while I'm thinking about it, were those "tie downs" from the factory, or an afterthought?

Thanks,

[salans7]

It does say Ford (Reproduction tailgates will not), but there are about 8 or 10 holes drilled into the tailgate for the panel, and they will be noticeable.

Tie-Downs were a factory option.

[ZanyZane]

Okay great I'll just do the tailgate trim delete!


So, the tie downs were just on the tailgate?

Thanks for the info!

[mat in tn]

the tie downs could also be had along the sides.
there are about 8-10 holes as said before on the outer sheet they are about 9/16" but on the inner they are about 3/8". this has to do with the "stand offs" molded into the trim brackets with a gasket on one side. there are also two 1/4" sized holes at the edges by the taillights, visible by opening the tailgate. there will be an acorn nut, 7/16 wrench I believe. when that is all removed you will find the oem tailgate with holes punched/ drilled. I usually weld in discs and "correct this" when a traditional look is what I want. some will take a carriage bolt and a short pipe to keep from crushing the two panels together (they are about 3/4" apart)  
the welding part is not really a first timer task. or it can be a real learning experience. know thy self.

[myrl883]

The box tie downs were a DEALER option. Dealers would sell them loose, or install them. There were no templates, they just got installed where they looked good to the guy doing the job!

[1986F150Six]

ZanyZane wrote

It's exhausting trying to find the red trim piece.  I was wondering if under all the trim stuff does it actually says F O R D embossed like on the '78s?

https://www.dennis-carpenter.com/trucks/tailgate/tailgates/e5tz-99425a34-rp-tailgate-finish-panel-lens

[81-F150-Explorer]

Your truck has the factory box rails, so the "hooks" would be redundant on the sides.

The tie down hooks were both a Dealer and a Factory Option. Like the factory optioned mirrors, and radio antenna mast, they were not installed at the factory due to shipping issues. They were placed in a box on the seat and were installed at the dealer when delivered.

The "8" foot bed had 8 hooks. Three on each side, and two on the tailgate.
The "6" foot bed had 6 hooks. Two on each side, and two on the tailgate.

EDIT: ......................

That reproduction reflective piece is a great way to restore an otherwise good aluminum panel.

The reflective piece was not offered separate from Ford.