Busted tailgate is it fixable?(Pics inside)

[grasscutter845]

had 4 body shops tell me that this is not fixable and i would need a brand new one. Found a guy today and he said that he could fix it for 200.00.. What are your thoughts?

[GravelyGuy]

I think the paint alone would cost about that much from a reputable body shop. It will probably look like a $200 job.

[pylnrcr]

Depends - is the guy quoting a repair and repaint of the existing tailgate or does he have access to a nice used one and figuring to repaint it? I would guess the labor cost to fix the existing one is higher than the cost of a new one, especially with the creased body line. But, if a replacement could be found cheap enough and repainted to match, it might be a good $200 quote since it would eliminate a lot of labor to R&R the bent one. Heck, you might even be able to find a nice white one at a yard, buff and wax it, then just swap it out yourself.

[unkownfl]

Depends - is the guy quoting a repair and repaint of the existing tailgate or does he have access to a nice used one and figuring to repaint it? I would guess the labor cost to fix the existing one is higher than the cost of a new one, especially with the creased body line. But, if a replacement could be found cheap enough and repainted to match, it might be a good $200 quote since it would eliminate a lot of labor to R&R the bent one. Heck, you might even be able to find a nice white one at a yard, buff and wax it, then just swap it out yourself.

That's easily fixable, but for 200 bucks I would be careful sounds kinda cheap. I would think a new tail gate is around 500ish for a oem plus paint. Check ebay out.

[topsites]

Phhh that's nothing, I wouldn't even bother but for $200 if someone wants to take a whack at it, I'd be like, all right.

Have you tried that one place, dent wizard?
Not sure if they can fix that, but they're usually pretty cheap for small dings and things.

[Swampy]

Try Certa Fit http://www.certifit.com/ to see if you can get a new shell.

[Danscapes]

junk yard?

[grasscutter845]

The dent isnt really to bad but the just fact that the truck is like brand new... i got a few estimates on a new tail gate they range from 1100 to 1500.. idk im kinda up in the air if i wanna let this guy fix it bc all the well named body shops i went 2 said its not fixable..or maybe they just wanted my $$$

[whoopassonthebluegrass]

$200 ??? You get what you pay for, man. If you're willing to risk the Walmart of auto repairs, at least tell him he only gets paid if you approve of the work.

[GravelyGuy]

The dent isnt really to bad but the just fact that the truck is like brand new... i got a few estimates on a new tail gate they range from 1100 to 1500.. idk im kinda up in the air if i wanna let this guy fix it bc all the well named body shops i went 2 said its not fixable..or maybe they just wanted my $$$

Ask the guy how he plans to fix it. I'm going to say lots of filler and a tailgate that won't look like new. I know I was qouted over $1000 for the tailgate on my Tundra. They aren't cheap.

[flatlander42]

If it is a work truck....it will just get banged up again. I would not pay 1400 bucks to get it fixed, I know that much. This may be a good time for you to practice your body work! Heck, take it to your local tech school and see if they want some Practice! All it'll cost ya is the materials!

oh and by the way....Everything is fixable!

[PLS-Tx]

I messed up tailgate also.

This is what I'm thinking of putting on my 08 Dodge.

http://www.truckcustomizers.com/products/customflow-fifth-wheel-louvered-tailgate.html

Local shop wants $479 for this same tailgate. They have one for $329, but it has lots of plastic and not as nice as this one.

Best price I could get for a factory tailgate was $600. Let me know if you want one and I'll give you the guys #.

[mow king]

For $200 I'd risk it...if it looks like crap in 2 years...then get a replacement then...maybe the cheap repair will last.

[hondarancher4435]

i say go for it yourself. i have been fixing a few things on my truck and it's not as hard as i thought. you can't really make it much worse so why not try at least

[South Florida Lawns]

I'd just leave it, you did it once you'll do it again with that crazy tall hitch setup ya got going on there.

[DUSTYCEDAR]

Just put a sign over it

[jasonnau]

Forgot to lock the trailer before loading it huh? I just did that to my 09 f250. I didn't put a hole, but I've got the matching dent. I almost replaced it too, and yesterday I drove out of a driveway with the tailgate down (bouncing on the trailer). Now I have a matching dent on the top. I'd replace it with something tougher that still looks good. I'm thinking maybe a lift gate. It will get banged up again. I promise. I'd get the 200 dollar repair and see how that works or I'd invest in another after market type of tailgate.

[corey4671]

If it is a work truck....it will just get banged up again. I would not pay 1400 bucks to get it fixed, I know that much. This may be a good time for you to practice your body work! Heck, take it to your local tech school and see if they want some Practice! All it'll cost ya is the materials!

oh and by the way....Everything is fixable!

EXACTLY!! It's a badge of honor! But if you insist on fixing it go call around to junkyards. DON'T PAY NEW!! You'll just screw it up again!

[PLS-Tx]

What did you decide to do about your tailgate?