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My tailgate was left down and was damaged by the attached trailer (won't say who was driving cause my wife would be pissed if I did!). It's buckled enough that it'll need to be replaced. She took it a couple of places and a Dealer today, estimates range from $1400-$1600. I'm thinking I'll just order a new tailgate, get it painted then swap all the hardware myself (No built in step). Hoping that would save a couple of hundred since I'd rather not file a claim on my otherwise clean insurance.
Questions:
1. Anyone see a problem with that plan?
2. Should I stick with a Ford Tailgate or save some $'s and go aftermarket?
3. Anyone know a good place to buy a new tailgate cheap?
Call around to late model salvage yards. I did this when the gate on my last truck was stolen (why do you always lock your gate Chad?). Found a new truck take off without a scratch on it from an upfitter for $350 (granted that was ten years ago) and had it painted and lock cylinder changed for less than my deductable. Perhaps even call your body shops and see where there used parts are sourced from.
Check Craigs list also - auto parts/tailgates. A painting company in my area was selling an F250 tailgate with the step system. I got it for $400. Had it repainted for $250 to match the color of my truck.
I then sold my no step tailgate on CL for $500.
I damaged mine and just bought a new blank from Ford and switched everything over. Even with the step and camera, it was pretty easy and took less than hour after the paint. The tailgate and both back up lamps cost $600.
A Neighbor down the street is in the paint business and got me the paint for cost. So I was about $700 total
I think I remember that all the pickups after 2007 use the same tailgate. I've even seen a Superduty around town with a F150 tail gate. So they all fit with in those years.
Mine is starting to rust at the bottom, I was just trying to be proactive. I have been looking for a gate and often peek in on the 6.7 guys...to make sure your behaving and found this.
Looks like I'll go the buy a blank, get it painted and swap hardware myself route. Local dealer want $547 for a gate, $81 for the top moulding (same as two other quotes) and $400 for painting. Paint price seems mighty high but... Not something I can do myself so guess I'm stuck.
Sarge does not ford cover that under body corrosion to 100,000 miles
Corrosion coverage for 06 was only 5/60k and it has to be rust through, my truck is over 5 years and over 60k, although when I tried to get it covered before the truck was out of warranty I was informed that it had to be rusted through.