Tailgate Rust Repair
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Ridgefield, Washington
Tailgate Rust Repair
I have a tailgate for my 55 which is in very good condition with one exception. The upper right (looking from the back) of the gate is rusted out almost completely. The little tab where the tailgate chain hooks on is actually rusted off.
Does anyone know how to go about repairing this area? If it would be helpful I will try to post a picture.
Thank you friends.
Fred
Does anyone know how to go about repairing this area? If it would be helpful I will try to post a picture.
Thank you friends.
Fred
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,995
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From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin
Hello Fred
Ouch. Attempting a repair is possible - this is just a very difficult area to expect lasting results because of how the tail gate is used. Patch panels can be fabbed and welded - but this piece has both strength and cosmetic requirements with little accommodation for bondo transition.
Ilya is correct, look for a repro or another original tail gate and you'll be money and time ahead.
Good luck
DW
Ouch. Attempting a repair is possible - this is just a very difficult area to expect lasting results because of how the tail gate is used. Patch panels can be fabbed and welded - but this piece has both strength and cosmetic requirements with little accommodation for bondo transition.
Ilya is correct, look for a repro or another original tail gate and you'll be money and time ahead.
Good luck
DW
Phantom of the Phorum
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,472
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From: Kentucky
The tailgate "protector" Midfifty sells might be used as a patch panel.
Mid Fifty F-100 Parts - Tailgate Protector, With Notch, Steel
I don't know what gauge steel it is, but you could call and ask. You would still have to fabricate the chain ear, or go with inside latches and supports.
Mid Fifty F-100 Parts - Tailgate Protector, With Notch, Steel
I don't know what gauge steel it is, but you could call and ask. You would still have to fabricate the chain ear, or go with inside latches and supports.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,017
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
Anything is possible. Whether or not its feasible is another aspect.
Personally I'd give the repair a shot while keeping my eyes and ears open for a decent replacement. If I were building a show quality truck and wanted things perfect then I'd go ahead and spend the bucks for a new replacement.
Good luck with it
Bobby
Personally I'd give the repair a shot while keeping my eyes and ears open for a decent replacement. If I were building a show quality truck and wanted things perfect then I'd go ahead and spend the bucks for a new replacement.
Good luck with it
Bobby
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Ridgefield, Washington
Thank you gentlemen,
My truck is bone stock in very good condition mechanically and cosmetically. The tailgate had a "grain door" mechanism installed as it was grandpa's farm truck and used that way.
It will not be a show truck and there will be no daily use of the truck or tailgate so I think I will try a repair and as you guys suggest, keep a lookout for a replacement. the reproduction ones are nice but I'm trying to avoid spending $500 for one.
I appreciate all the comments.
Fred
My truck is bone stock in very good condition mechanically and cosmetically. The tailgate had a "grain door" mechanism installed as it was grandpa's farm truck and used that way.
It will not be a show truck and there will be no daily use of the truck or tailgate so I think I will try a repair and as you guys suggest, keep a lookout for a replacement. the reproduction ones are nice but I'm trying to avoid spending $500 for one.
I appreciate all the comments.
Fred
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,017
Likes: 9,972
From: Rio Rancho, NM
My tailgate had been folded over a time or two and the outer frame was junk, the upper and lower rolls were severely banged up and had some rust through. I wanted to keep the central part of the tailgate because I liked the Ford script. I basically fabbed a new frame for my tailgate. Here is a link to some pics;
1949 Ford F1 4x2 - Poor-boy Tailgate
It shouldn't be too difficult to find a decent used tailgate out there somewhere; craigslist, ebay, maybe one of the members here, etc
Bobby
1949 Ford F1 4x2 - Poor-boy Tailgate
It shouldn't be too difficult to find a decent used tailgate out there somewhere; craigslist, ebay, maybe one of the members here, etc
Bobby
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Ridgefield, Washington
Thank you Bobby. That is good work and a great solution. Somewhere I saw a post of a similar redo of 55 tailgate where pipe was used on the top and bottom of the gate to retain the original look and function of the original.
Not sure I am capable of the kind of work you guys can do but I have two gates so may try it on the throw away to see how I do.
Thanks again,
Fred
Not sure I am capable of the kind of work you guys can do but I have two gates so may try it on the throw away to see how I do.
Thanks again,
Fred
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Practice on scrap sheet until you feel comfortable. Then cut it up and practice some more! I'm about to turn my 12yr old son lose on welding. I wish that my dad had pushed me to learn it years ago! It's not so bad after some (here it comes again..) practice.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: langhorne pa
Bobby
What a great set of pictures. Just what I was looking for.
My tail gate is in bad shape also.
Has a bow in it. This way I can fix the bow with EMT tubing
and maybe give the hooks a shot and angle iron too.
Thanks
John
What a great set of pictures. Just what I was looking for.
My tail gate is in bad shape also.
Has a bow in it. This way I can fix the bow with EMT tubing
and maybe give the hooks a shot and angle iron too.
Thanks
John
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,017
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
Thanks. I hosed myself a little when welding it all together. I rushed and didn't let things cool down between spotwelds and now I have a slight bow across the top. Nothing major, and I've almost got it straightened back out. So, if you're going to be welding long sections of sheet metal, etc stitch weld it in short sections (1" or so) then move on to a different area. Hop around like that letting the welded area cool before going back to it.
Bobby
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Senior User
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From: Ridgefield, Washington
Hello again guys. I would be glad to post some pictures of my project if someone would give me a refresher course on how to do that. I've been off the forum all summer and have forgotten the procedure.
Fred
Fred