15 ’80s Truck Accessories That Are No Longer Sold
These once-popular ’80s truck add-ons defined an era but have since disappeared from shelves.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Back in the ’80s, truck drivers loved to upgrade their vehicles with bold accessories. From chrome overload to quirky light setups, these add-ons were essential gear for any serious driver. Now discontinued, these pieces have faded into memory or collector status — but they once ruled the road.
1. Chrome Bug Deflectors
PxHere
These shiny hood shields claimed to redirect bugs and rocks away from windshields. Though flashy, they often cracked or peeled in the weather.
2. CB Radio Antennas
Tokyojoe1965 on Wikimedia Commons
Mounted high on beds or bumpers, these antennas powered roadside chatter. They were a must-have for long hauls or off-road groups.
3. KC Light Bar Mounts
dave_7 on Wikimedia Commons
Roof-mounted off-road lights with oversized yellow covers were everywhere in the ’80s. They lit up the night and screamed in a rugged style.
4. Truck Bed Roll Bars
DiamondBack Covers on Flickr
More fashion than function, these thick metal bars gave trucks a rugged silhouette. Often paired with extra lights, they rarely served real safety purposes. Safety regulations and design trends phased them out.
5. Tailgate Nets
Mike Babcock on Wikimedia Commons
Replacing traditional metal gates, these mesh nets were marketed to improve airflow and reduce weight. They sagged, flapped in the wind, and lacked durability.
6. Rear Window Louvers
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima on Wikimedia Commons
Usually seen on muscle cars, these also found a place on truck cabs for added shade and flair. The slatted panels looked cool but limited rear visibility.
7. Custom Mud Flap Girls
Byron J. Adams on Wikimedia Commons
The iconic silhouette decals were a staple behind many rear wheels. Often chromed or glittered, they were meant as playful truck art.
8. Gun Rack Rear Window Mounts
玄史生 on Wikimedia Commons
A common sight in rural towns, these racks proudly displayed hunting rifles behind the driver. Though legal in many areas, they’ve become uncommon due to security concerns.
9. Hood Scoops (Stick-On)
PickPik
These non-functional scoops added “muscle” to even the tamest pickups. Applied with adhesive tape, they peeled off over time.
10. Fender Flares with Rivets
Truck Hardware on Flickr
Bulky, plastic bolt-on flares were all the rage for wide-tire setups. While some served off-roaders, most were just for looks. Sleeker, paint-matched versions dominate today’s market.
11. Magnetic Door Signs
DiamondBack Covers on Flickr
Used by tradesmen and hobbyists, these removable signs turned any truck into a business vehicle. Cheap and convenient, they faded with the rise of vinyl wraps and permanent decals.
12. Vinyl Tailgate Wrap Decals
Amirali Shaghaghi on Pexels
Scenes of wolves, flags, or mountain vistas adorned many tailgates. While eye-catching, the vinyl faded and peeled quickly in the sun.
13. Chrome Wheel Covers
Malcolm on Flickr
Plastic caps mimicking chrome rims gave base-model trucks a flashy look. They were fragile and prone to popping off. True alloy wheels now dominate the scene.
14. Under-Glow Neon Kits
Vitali Adutskevich on Unsplash
Seen mostly at night, these colorful light strips gave trucks an eerie glow. While once a street-legal trend, they’re now banned in many places.
15. Cab Visors with Marker Lights
Kayle Kaupanger on Unsplash
Bolted above the windshield, these visors combined sun-blocking with amber lights. They made trucks look taller and meaner, but added drag and often leaked. Aerodynamic roofs and integrated lights replaced them.