Tailgate Panel Removal

[87Sturd]

Anyone ever remove the silver panel on the tailgate from their first generation Ranger? It says F O R D on the tailgate. I love this look but then your left with a bunch of holes in the tailgate. Has anyone ever patched these holes?

 

[dogboy]

I'd help you, but I don't remember a "silver panel" on the '84 that I had. And I don't understand what "holes" your talking about either.

 

[87Sturd]

Heres some pics.

Before:

After:

 

[87Sturd]

I think im better off just looking for an original tailgate. Ive seen some rangers with this tailgate, just not sure wich years it came with. Anyone know?

 

[87Sturd]

bump

 

[flyingbrick]

If you or a friend has a welder, and are any good at bodywork just weld up the wholes
Other wise I think that tailgate only came on first Gen rangers.

 

[Loanranger]

I think the plate was optional, and standard on the "high end" models like the xlt. I could be wrong though.

The easiest way to fill the holes would be to weld them up. You can use washers behind the hole as filler. Try to find washers that are just slightly bigger than the hole so the hole in the middle of the washer is small.

 

[skippy]

Heres some pics.

Before:

After:

Thanks for the after picture.I thought about removing the panel but after seeing your picture,no.

 

[GreenRanger9096]

I'm not sure about filling the holes, but LMC makes a tailgate cover that just slips on and welds to your tail gate -

http://www.lmctruck.com/ICATALOG/FR/full.aspx?Page=79

 

[87Sturd]

Thaanks for all the comments guys. I dont know how to weld...not yet. I will just have to find an original first generation tailgate. Thanks for all the advice!

 

[flyingbrick]

What about taking it to a local body shop, and asking if they weld it up for cheap when they have time or for some beer money?

 

[GreenRanger9096]

I dont know how to weld...not yet.

I don't know personally, but I would imagine you could drill/screw it in too....But Welding would def. produce the best results.

And local shops will weld parts on for a decent rate, I think I was quoted $20 to weld a reciever onto my ranger so that I could tow a trailer...If you have any buddies, they might do it for free