Removing a Tailgate Bow

[smoothandlow84]

I think there is less chance of paint and other physical damage if all movement during the straightening process is limited to up and down..

The 'gate is almost useless in it's present condition.. If I damage it trying to straighten it, I haven't lost much.. The $400 - $500 to replace it scares me...

$400-500....they aren't that much for a tailgate shell. I just paid $200 for a replacement. $325 total for the tailgate and paint.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

$400-500....they aren't that much for a tailgate shell. I just paid $200 for a replacement. $325 total for the tailgate and paint.

His is a 71 may be more do to more steel.

 

[RustyPile]

I've already checked on prices.. A reproduction "slick" tailgate is around $160 - $200 plus oversize package shipping, depending on the vendor source. Then it has to be massaged to remove the manufacturing and shipping imperfections and fine tune the fit. Then there's hardware installation, and finally, primered, skimcoated, and painted.. Some of the work I can do myself, But that's the "turn key" price range I've been quoted.

I'm not looking to just cheap-out patch the tailgate. The tailgate is ok for a normal everyday driver.. If I can straighten it and repaint it, then I've saved a few bucks.. If I can straighten it without damaging the paint, I'm just that much ahead..

The truck is a few steps above an everyday driver, and I don't want to "compromise" that appearance. Except for some minor weathering that has occurred over the past 10 years, the body of this truck is cherry.. I'm not gonna just slap some old tailgate on the ass of it...

 

[smoothandlow84]

I've already checked on prices.. A reproduction "slick" tailgate is around $160 - $200 plus oversize package shipping, depending on the vendor source. Then it has to be massaged to remove the manufacturing and shipping imperfections and fine tune the fit. Then there's hardware installation, and finally, primered, skimcoated, and painted.. Some of the work I can do myself, But that's the "turn key" price range I've been quoted.

I'm not looking to just cheap-out patch the tailgate. The tailgate is ok for a normal everyday driver.. If I can straighten it and repaint it, then I've saved a few bucks.. If I can straighten it without damaging the paint, I'm just that much ahead..

The truck is a few steps above an everyday driver, and I don't want to "compromise" that appearance. Except for some minor weathering that has occurred over the past 10 years, the body of this truck is cherry.. I'm not gonna just slap some old tailgate on the ass of it...

Well...if it's in the condition like you stated (tailgate), and the truck is more than a daily driver....fork out the cash and do it the right way. If you want to keep the overall appearance of a nice truck that is taken care of, replace the tailgate instead of trying to,save a few bucks. More often then not, you will end of spending more time and money trying to fix something old and damaged then just to replace it with a new part.


Believe me....with all of the trucks and cars that I have restored, I know.


Shop around as there are more and more vendors with options. Hell...you may even get lucky and find a truck bed with a tailgate for the same price. Texas is the second largest state in the nation, with probably the most trucks per capita.

 

[smoothandlow84]

His is a 71 may be more do to more steel.

True....but like he stated it is more than a daily driver truck. Sounds more like he would be better off replacing the tailgate with a new one rather than band aid fix the old.

 

[RustyPile]

Well...if it's in the condition like you stated (tailgate), and the truck is more than a daily driver....fork out the cash and do it the right way. If you want to keep the overall appearance of a nice truck that is taken care of, replace the tailgate instead of trying to,save a few bucks. More often then not, you will end of spending more time and money trying to fix something old and damaged then just to replace it with a new part.


Believe me....with all of the trucks and cars that I have restored, I know.


Shop around as there are more and more vendors with options. Hell...you may even get lucky and find a truck bed with a tailgate for the same price. Texas is the second largest state in the nation, with probably the most trucks per capita.

smoothandlow84, I have to agree with everything you've said.. You pretty much echo what the body shops told me.. What scares me most is that large flat area.. As you know, flat areas are most susceptible to damage and even the tiniest of imperfections are visible.. And the edge of that area is where the pressure must be applied to straighten the 'gate... Since I have nothing to loose, I'll make one consorted effort at straightening it.. If I'm successful, well.... If the 'gate can't be saved, I've lost only some time..

 

[shiftpro]

The best paint protection would be a thick piece of leather.
So wrap a big tree truck with leather, throw your truck in reverse and pin it.
Just kidding... but not about the leather to protect your paint.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

The best paint protection would be a thick piece of leather.
So wrap a big tree truck with leather, throw your truck in reverse and pin it.
Just kidding... but not about the leather to protect your paint.

Looks like you gotta skin one of them cows @RustyPile

 

[bucket]

I wouldn't call it a band aid fix. A straight gate is a straight gate... Not like it's going to bow itself back out again. I come from the land of rust. If it ain't rusted, you straighten it if you can. That's just how it is.

Although, I do agree that the bent gate would make a great bench.

 

[RustyPile]

Looks like you gotta skin one of them cows @RustyPile

Cut one out for me..

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[Honky Kong jr]

Cut one out for me..

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A taster one....but....

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