Hey folks. The hinge on my 2000 F150 tailgate broke. On the left side the female part of the hinge that's attached to the tailgate broke off. It's a weld that broke (rusted). The part that broke was welded to a bracket that's spot-welded to the gate itself. I was wondering if a) anyone has had this problem, b) if there is a kit where the spot-welds could be drilled out and the bracket (with the female part of the hinge welded to it) could be bolted to the gate and c) are there any other ideas. I'd hate to have to get a new gate. Here are some pics...Thanks in advance.

Ray

 

Unfortunately welding is the only way. Bring it to a muffler shop and have them tack it back on. If you remove all the rust beforehand I would be willing to bet that for less than $50.00 they would do it.

 

I took a header that needed welding to a small muffler shop, talked to the guy for a while about his shop, how long he had owned it, etc.....He welded the header for no charge...There was a sandwich shop next door to his shop, so I bought him his lunch.

 

Just a suggestion, never tried the stuff, but what about JB Weld? Would that work in a situation like this? Or would it just put off the problem for a few more weeks?

 

I would clean up the rust myself and bring it to someone that can weld. I would punch 4 marks so you can get it exactly where it needs to go before you grind the rust away. Want that tailgate perfect.

 

Yeah I figured it was a weld that was going to need to be done. Just figured I'd ask...just in case. Thanks guys...

Ray