Hello All,

So I have a new 2014 fx4. It is obvious to the touch that my tailgate feels raised almost like is different textures sand paper almost or painted differently? The rest of the truck is smooth to the touch. Is this normal or is this a flaw? It does not look off, but you can hear the difference just in sound when I'm scrubbing the tailgate.

 

Probably a poorly repaint tailgate. Could have been a replacement due to a stolen or damaged tailgate. Take it back to the dealer and have them buff it out.

 

Could just need some attention with a clay bar

 

The tailgates on these trucks are consistently the worst panel for orange peel. Most likely the difference you feel.

 

So can I assume clay won't do a thing?

 

It's common for dealers to repaint brand new trucks' tailgates due to damage/scratches. This, of course, isn't the same quality as the factory paint. It's a shame.

See if the orange peel matches the bed sides, I'd bet it doesn't.

 

If it's orange peel? No it won't do anything. This is just my guess it's orange peel, as there's no pic. If you can get a pic post it. My tailgate is not as bad as many I've seen, but still had more orange peel than the rest of my truck.

The paint quality on these trucks is awful. Not as bad as the explorers though. The newer body style explorers are brutal. They are the #1 warranty repaint we do at work for quality. The orange peel on the white pearl ones are so bad they don't even shine. Chunks of crap in the paint is also very common.

 

Not really good good indicator of a respray. The tailgates are typically the worst panel for orange peel. And they aren't even sprayed at the same time or room at the factory.

If the tailgate was flat as glass? Then it was def resprayed.

 

Unfortunately my bed already has been line Xed

 

Not sure what that has to do with the paint quality on the outside