I used to own a 95 Lightning and I liked the how the tailgate was one color.
Now my 4x4 95 has that silver panel on the tailgate. I was wondering if I could remove this panel or I might just get another tailgate without this panel.

 

Have you considered just buying a tailgate skin and painting it? The ones with the silver panel have holes in them to accomodate the panel, so if you want you can remove the panel and try to fill the holes. Or, like you said, you can get another tailgate. Any tailgate off of an early 80's to the 97 heavy duty trucks will work. But the only smooth ones are on 92-97 models. Ones earlier than that have FORD stamped into the metal.

 

thanks for the reply. I never thought about just replacing the outer skin.

 

If you don't like it, you would be wise to sell it, and replace it with the style you want. The tailgates like yours are a hot item, and often sell for three times as much as the type you want to replace it with.

 

3 times as much! Wow, I'll keep that in mind

 

I've seen ones like yours go for just under $300, and regular ones that sell for $85 or less, on eBay.

 

Are you refering to the ones with the aluminum panel and reflector?
If so, I have one and can't stand it.
The panel and reflector tries to fall off.
Mine has some small screws in it to hold it together.
Do you think it is still desireable?
If so I would swap it even for a smooth gate...
Btw: 1990 Lariat is the subject.
Dave

 

The '90 is different, but I'm sure you could sell it. Try eBay.