Tail gate repair

[Robertray00]

Would anyone recommend a Tailgate Repair Panel or shiuld i just get a new tailgate ?​

Thanks

 

[Howard2x4x4]

I would say it depends upon the condition of the tailgate in question, your skill set and your wallet capacity. Howard, on the sidelines in beautiful West Michigan

 

[Bronco-Brian]

The tailgate is thicker gage steel than body panels, and is very difficult to pull or hammer out dents. If you're talking rust, and limited to a small area, then repair is best option, if larger area, I'd suggest replacement. In the past, I bought a patch panel to replace the entire rolled bottom portion, and it was a lot of work to cut weld, and body work. In retrospect, I should have bought new and saved the time. Also, I've learned that it is easiest to drill holes from the back of the tailgate and insert a drift pin to hammer out dents to the front side - a common area for dents is the spare tire carrier latch where it gets slammed and overtime dents the tailgate pretty good. Once panel is straight, plug weld the hole closed.

Hope this helps.

 

[Pa PITT]

Thank for that thought Bronco Brian... I have a Friend just starting to work on his tailgate .& I believe that Roll pin might just be his ticket .
What Diameter PIN is your go to pin.
1/8 or 3/16 or ALL THE WAY TO 1/4's .

 

[Bronco-Brian]

To avoid dimples on the skin, larger diameter is better. Min size I'd use is 3/8". Drill the hole larger than this so you can angle the drift and hit more area to straighten.