I am in the middle of putting in a remote unlock on the tailgate and when I removed the factory installed protector I was expecting to find an access cover like most tailgates have-but its not there!

Not sure this was intentional by ford or someone forgot it?

 

Do you have the tailgate step + flag pole option?

If you do, I can confirm the metal cover is not there under the plastic cover that holds the flag pole.

If you want a metal cover, here is the part number. Should be around $80 and comes in black paint only:
8C3Z-9943121-A

Here are the screws, you need two packs for 8 total screws:
W710734-S439

(Trying for 25 posts so I can have a sig like the adults.)

 

sorry.. words confusing

when you removed the cover there is no cover under it?

on my 08, I removed the plastic inside shell, and there was the access area for the handle and lock install..

were you expecting a metal cover over the access area TOO?

Sam

 

Well, to be fair, I think I'd expect one. If I had a normal metal uncovered tailgate and got a plastic cover for it, I don't think I'd take the metal one off before putting the plastic one on.

I could be wrong, never had one of those.

For the case of the flag pole I can understand the metal cover not being under there since the bracket to hold the pole is in there and when you rotate it up the bottom end goes into the access area.

(Am I at 25 posts yet?)

 

6 POST TO GO !!!

 

Yes I did it expect to be there. But obviously with the man handle, it would need to be redesigned to accomodate that.

It appears its intentional rather than missing - I'm fine with that.

 

hm.. and I felt the heavy ribs on the plastic were more than enough protection, considering that it would be very hard to put much weight on this area

Sam

 

Yep the plastic is just fine - probably stronger than a 20 gauge panel cover in any case.

 

No, but you just allowed me to make it.

 

Happy to be of service.

 

I need 2 more.

 

2 more posts you mean?

 

I realize you are talking about a 2011 tailgate ?, but I am having the same problem with my 1999 SD. I bought a replacement skin, and have ordered the inner works from Partsguyed.com, but he doesn't have that part number. Do you know of another source for the access panel.? My tailgate was ripped off and so I am starting from scratch.

Thanks,

Jim