On one my recent adventures I was out in the woods on a dirt road after dark. Was hauling my kayak back to camp and got in a bind trying to turn the truck around. Made a bad decision not to slow down and scout out my turn points and hit a tree with my tailgate down. Luckily I didn't damage my kayak. This is the first dent I have put in my truck after owning it for 12 years.. little sick about it. I'm also not in the financial state to put a ton of $$ into such an old vehicle. Taking it to a body shop for an estimate on Thursday... any suggestions though?

 

Just get a jnk yard tailgate?

 

I thought that would be pretty easy.. but I can't seem to find one that looks much better than mine.. and they want $300+. Thought about possibly getting a bigger cap? Is it possible to heat it up and work the dent out you think?

 

Sounds like a perfect excuse to get one of those tailgates with the step in it when you get enough money to me.

 

He just said he didn't want to put a bunch of money into an old truck

 

He said he's not in the financial state to put a bunch of money into an old truck. That is why I said when he gets the money lol. I just seen one for 300 bucks on Craigslist. No emblems though, but those can't be too expensive.

 

Tailgates, new (just the shell) w primer are only $159 @ LMC and they're usually expensive. So I know you can get it cheaper elswhere.

You just need the shell so... But, it might be a couple hundred to paint.

Perhaps you can find a tailgate guard that shows a little less leg. Uknow, a gaud that will cover the dent...- just a thought lol.


I would suggest bondo and perfect match paint but, - yea, not a good idea for a tailgate.

Looks like it's going to cost yuh a little no matter what...not too terribly bad. It could have been a lot worse !

 

Yea, I see you thought of the guard already lol.

Yea I didn't see that right off. I bet you could make one out of aluminum....then paint it.

I know they have bullet hole stickers, - perhaps you can find a mortar hole sticker ? Just temporary of course.

 

I will do some more digging on the guard.

Also considered leaving it and saying it's from a bear.. Or Chuck Norris attack.

 

If you leave it, find one of those big band-aids to put over it so people behind you can get a good laugh lol.