Tailgate Reinforcement Options
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Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 56
Likes: 9
Tailgate Reinforcement Options
Hi all,
Just did a body restoration on my 97 and unfortunately had to get an aftermarket tailgate. The first one I had was a piece of garbage and simply standing on it is enough to bend it inwards. I bought a new one from Dennis Carpenter but it too came from Taiwan. Kind of disappointed. It's heavier duty than my old one, but its still only 21kg. That's a bit light to me, and I want to try reinforcing this one, but maintain the look of it. It will be getting a 2-part polyurea spray liner just like the rest of the bed.
I have access to any CAD software I want, CNC plasma table, brake and iron worker, so I can make it as simple or as intricate as I want. I'm just not a creative person at all.
Has anyone reinforced a tailgate like this before?
Ideally, I'd keep the corrugated stamping on the tailgate so I don't want to just put a piece of plate over it.
Has anyone cut the top skin off, reinforced the bottom, and welded the top skin back on?
Any input or criticism is appreciated.
https://www.dennis-carpenter.com/tru...lgate-assembly
Just did a body restoration on my 97 and unfortunately had to get an aftermarket tailgate. The first one I had was a piece of garbage and simply standing on it is enough to bend it inwards. I bought a new one from Dennis Carpenter but it too came from Taiwan. Kind of disappointed. It's heavier duty than my old one, but its still only 21kg. That's a bit light to me, and I want to try reinforcing this one, but maintain the look of it. It will be getting a 2-part polyurea spray liner just like the rest of the bed.
I have access to any CAD software I want, CNC plasma table, brake and iron worker, so I can make it as simple or as intricate as I want. I'm just not a creative person at all.
Has anyone reinforced a tailgate like this before?
Ideally, I'd keep the corrugated stamping on the tailgate so I don't want to just put a piece of plate over it.
Has anyone cut the top skin off, reinforced the bottom, and welded the top skin back on?
Any input or criticism is appreciated.
https://www.dennis-carpenter.com/tru...lgate-assembly
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,182
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From: Bahstun
thats what i have on tail gate and in front of cab too
I want to remove my bed and add in a piece of square tubing so it wont bend into cab so easy
I want to remove my bed and add in a piece of square tubing so it wont bend into cab so easy
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 294
Likes: 16
From: Kamloops, BC. Canada
I know perhaps not a solution, but above is what I’ve done. Saves tailgate from significant abuse. Above slides into 2” receivers on class 5 hitch. This was made to haul the Pioneer 500 which weighs about 1100lbs, without the snow plough.
cheers,
j
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2021
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Ooh, I like this idea! I may do that. I haven't been at the shop to see my new tailgate yet, so I hope it just doesn't need it--but this looks like a solid fix, and I quite like the plate re-skinning it. I'll take a look! Thanks!
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Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2021
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This is a wicked design! I might potentially go for a in-bed camper for traveling, and if I do, I might look into something like this! As I sit currently, I just pull a trailer whenever I load up something that heavy haha
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