1966 to 1965 country sedan tailgate swap Hello all, would anyone know if a '66 country sedan or squire two way tailgate can be installed on a '65 country sedan? Thanks
Nope. The 66 and the 65 are two different platforms. The 65 is a falcon frame and the 66 is a fairlane. Dave
Thanks for the quick reply. You sound very certain but I believe my manual says the 65 country sedan is based on a galaxie? The outside appearance of the two tailgates seem real similar from '65 to '66 but I am not sure. I have used other galaxie parts on my wagon.
I think you're right. I just had a look and it looks like they will work. I thought the 65 was like the falcon bodystyle. My bad. Dave.
No worries friend. This is my first wagon, other than the one I spent my entire childhood in. I am learning a lot. I am going to do a hard look for a 66 tailgate on the net, buy it and try it!!
I believe the gates are interchangeable. The Country Sedan/Country Squire was on the full-sized platform, and there were minimal changes to the body in these two years. Certainly the roof structure and panel are the same, although there are minor differences in the sheet metal skins. Good luck, and be sure to let us know. If you want to find out before, check a Hollander's manual. It will have the accurate information.
Thanks for the input. It is greatly appreciated. I am unfamiliar with the Hollanders manual. Is that available online? I know that the wiring for the electric window is different and will need to be extended and rerouted to the driver's side of the car, and the new hinges and latches will need to be installed on the driver's side as well. Hopefully there is enough structure on that side to be able to support the weight of that gate!!!! Thanks again Douglas
If my memory serves, 65 was the first year of the 'magic gate' on Fords, and it was an option. I think all the cars, both with and without the option, had the structure designed in to accommodate the upper hinge for the 2 way gate, as the drop down gate had the upper latch in that same position.
1965 was the last of the real Falcons, from 1966 on they were based on the next size up. My wife's '68 "Falcon" wagon is a Fairlane without trim.
