what is the difference between a 48 and a 56 ford tailgate

like the ***le says..im curious what the difference is between the 2 years of tailgates..i have the chance to buy a 56 for my 48 ford..the 48 is a half ton, as is the 56..

i was thinking that the 48 to 53 was tthe same and 53 to 56 were the same..but just double checking...

thx

 

Had someone tell me once that they physically interchange. The 48 - 52 has the Ford script and the 53 to 56 is F O R D in block letters. I don't have both to prove it.

 

My 51 has the block letters........got it that way..........so, if its a 53 to 56 tailgate, it should fit your 48

 

about 8 years

 

Tailgate chains, the tailgate chain tab, the mating chain bolt and corresponding bedside notch arrangement is model specific.

F1 48 to 50-1/2 has Ford script with the chain tab riveted in the top roll and a higher notch in the bed,

F1 50-1/2 to 52 has Ford script with the chain tab welded under the top roll and a lower notch in the bed,

F100 53-up has block letters and is a slightly taller gate than the F1.

One of the reasons the F1 is my favorite is the script tailgate.

 

Beat me to it

 

My 51 has the block letters like I said..........The chain tab was riveted......I have since removed it. It fits well.......not taller that I can notice anyways. Could the Canadian trucks be different?....I have seen Canadian F1s with the script tailgate. I am kind of puzzled where my gate may be from.

 

My 52 was like that

 

both trucks that im talking about are actually mercury trucks (canadian) and my 48 has a ford script tailgate, but i want a mercury one and a local drag car shop took the mercury tailgate off a 56 because the guy ordered a flat one. and they want to sell the mercury gate..

 

Is the Mercury in block letters or script?....I have seen both ways with them too, but not sure of the years.

 

the mercury one is in block letters

 

Mercury tailgates were only available in block letters. There is only 3 different flareside tailgates. 1946-1950, 1951-1952 and 1953-1968. Here are some pictures of the 1946-50 and 1951-1952 tailgates.

 

Not to hijack but.. I need one of these if anyone happens to have one in decent condition..
It'll look funny if I buy a new one and put it on with old bedsides and everything else.

I think I have Mercury hood ornamentation on the front hood vent on mine, but since I don't know it's origins I can't tell. It doesn't say Ford or have the little V8 logo..

 

so ur saying the 56 wont fit my 48? or it will but it will just look off???

 

my 52 mercury was block letters and so was my dads 50 merc