new tailgate questions

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Sep 27, 2007 | 10:24 AM

alz

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Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2004

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From: Michigan

new tailgate questions

I need to replace the tailgate of the truck in signature. I'm going new as the jys around here have tailgates with the same rust areas at the bottom lip.
Broncograveyard is local to me and carries both aftermarket($105) and OEM($350). I was convinced to go OEM, but after speaking to a rep, says the aftermarket tailgates are made well. He suggested going the cheaper route.
Give me your opinions.

Second question. Once I get the tailgate, do I need to use an epoxy primer over the black e coating, or can I just use a regular primer before painting? Or do I need to strip the e coating and then primer?

Thanks all

Sep 27, 2007 | 11:22 AM

Action4478

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Joined: Aug 2006

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Quote:

He suggested going the cheaper route.
Give me your opinions.

If you are going to keep it for a while, you will want OEM,,,,

Quote:

Second question. Once I get the tailgate, do I need to use an epoxy primer over the black e coating, or can I just use a regular primer before painting? Or do I need to strip the e coating and then primer?

Its a matter of opinion,, I sand with 320 (DA),,& coat with acid etch primer,,

Epoxy is fine also ,,

Sep 30, 2007 | 06:06 AM

alz

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 1,324

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From: Michigan

Any other opinions? Has anybody used one of the aftermarket tailgates? How do they hold up?

Sep 30, 2007 | 09:55 PM

miker67

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Joined: Oct 2004

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Speaking from experience, cheaper is exactly that, CHEAP! I tried the cheap route against the recommendations from my local body man, and the $100.00 gate i bought buckled in the middle in under a month soley from the weight of the average human standing in the middle of it. The sheet metal used to form the components is much thiner that oem. I would say that if you want to keep the truck, look on ebay for good used, or shell out the bucks to get a good quality ford gate.