Tailgate woes
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 29
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From: Syracuse
Tailgate woes
As is typical of many of you out there in salted areas my tailgate has corroded out along the bottom. The window is stuck in the gate and the internals are about shot due to corrosion (I think the motor is still in decent shape, though). I have a plexiglass piece mounted to the inside of the cap to keep the big water/wind out and was curious as to how much I could expect to spend to have a new gate installed if I go with a remanufactured/aftermarket type.
Also, what have some of you spent on bodywork along the rear quarters and wheel wells? The front is rust free as are the door jambs and most other areas (Thank GOD), but that area along the top of the wheel is just dissolving!
Also, what have some of you spent on bodywork along the rear quarters and wheel wells? The front is rust free as are the door jambs and most other areas (Thank GOD), but that area along the top of the wheel is just dissolving!
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 94
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From: Ohio
I have priced a replacement tailgate and painting to match the vehicle at a couple of local body shops (North Florida). Everyone comes back pretty close to $1,000. I have found a place that can get me a complete used tailgate (guts included) for about $600. Of course you would then have to paint the t/g.
I have not proceeded as I am not sure about spending $1,000 on a new t/g, when the truck is only worth about $2,300! Add to that when you paint the tail gate I would rather paint the entire truck and then you have probably spent as much as the truck is worth.
I have not proceeded as I am not sure about spending $1,000 on a new t/g, when the truck is only worth about $2,300! Add to that when you paint the tail gate I would rather paint the entire truck and then you have probably spent as much as the truck is worth.
New User
Joined: Jul 2003
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Before I got disgusted with the '73 K5 (i know, chevy) the rear gate was about the same. I am a body guy (hobby) and have done many restos on various makes and modles. There are several ways I have attacked these problems. 1) replace the gate with an aftermarket($500-$1000). 2) Cut and weld new metal($200-$500). 3) Cut and put in a fiberglass patch($100-$300). Also, most production vehicles do not have enough drainage in the proper areas to keep moisture at bay. I usually dirll small holes in the bottom of the body panels where the spot welds are and between the inner and outer panels. This will help in the wheel well areas especially and along the rocker panels. Of course doing the work myself saves a lot of cash. Also you may be able to just purchase a "skin" (the outer layer of the gate) and have a body shop replace it for you as well.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 281
Likes: 1
From: Back in Central Texas
This is a link to Autofab. They have an all fiberglass tailgate (among other fiberglass body parts) that wont ever rust. It's a little pricey at $750 but you wont ever have to worry about it again. http://www.autofab.com/bronco2.htm
DG808
DG808
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 94
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From: Ohio
I saaw a shop the other day that had replacement weld in sections for the lower portion of the tailgate. If I am remembering correctly the replacement part was less than $50. Any guesses as to how much would a body shop charge to cut, install, weld out this piece, and repaint? My guess is that the entire tailgate would not have to be disassembled, and I guess distortion could be kept at a minimum through proper welding procedure. Would this repair be as good as a new gate?
As far as the fiberglass option, no way on a tailgate! They recommend not even sitting on it?! And the rear tire carrier would be history.
As far as the fiberglass option, no way on a tailgate! They recommend not even sitting on it?! And the rear tire carrier would be history.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 281
Likes: 1
From: Back in Central Texas
I think JCwitney has them too for very little money. I'm not sure on the price of the work, you'd have to call around and see. As far as how well the repair would be is determined by how much corrosion and damge there is. If it is just localised to the bottom of the gate, then yes that would be as good as a new gate. Just remember to replace the window scraper/seal if it is damaged to keep water and dirt from getting into the gate.
DG808
DG808
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Lancaster, SC
If it's just a fun truck, yank the gate, leave off the top and call it a day. I pulled my tailgate off of my '79 last summer and left off the top and it was a blast, dropped about 300 lbs off the truck, and had more scoot to boot.
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Flemington, NJ
Broncograveyard.com has aftermarket tailgates at $250 and they also have all the other pieces you may need to replace to get your tailgate like new again.
I'll be getting my new one from them in the spring.
I'll be getting my new one from them in the spring.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 29
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From: Syracuse
I almost forgot about the "yard". They seem reasonable and I know it's pretty important to be able to use the gate as it's designed to. Maybe I could get away with just the bottom portion as the corrosion is pretty well localized there. As far as removing the top, we get a little too much snow and rain in the Great White North (Syracuse) unless I got one of those neat canvas "bikini" type tops.....hmmmm...those do look pretty cool...any info on those???
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