Opinions About Repop Tailgates

[1956cameo]

I am working on a blazer project and have come to the conclusion that none of my tailgates are good enough to use. I heard a long time ago that reproduction tailgates are flimsy and will bow out of shape if you simply sit on them. I like to use as much OEM stuff as possible but the only used tailgates I can find for the same price as repro all have issues with dents or are all bowed. If anyone out there has used a reproduction tailgate within the last 2-3 years please let me know how your experience going that route was for you. Thanks!

[71sierragrande]

Not within 3 years but my dad bought a repop gate and it seemed solid as hell and worked good(About 15 years ago). Having said that, my opinion is to look for OEM and work out the dents. (Im all about ALL AMERICAN to a fault) Good luck in your search, the search for parts is a bit**, aint it? Been there brother!

[Tom Vogel]

I bought a repop from Wes at Classic Heartbeat in Washington. It was fine... even my paint and body guy was skeptical but had to admit it was way betteer than the earlier repops he had seen. Call Wes.

[pillclinton209]

My repop wasnt bad at all... be sure to check the box it comes in to make sure not damaged from shipping

[RPBurris]

Here is my repop tailgate. If you plan on using your truck/blazer for anything other than show i would not use one. This one is bowed and very flimsy.

[YBNORML]

I have had two types of aftermarket tailgate.
The first one was a smooth one (no letters) it was crap. Very weak, I could put dents in the top of it with my thumbs. It was also signifigantly lighter than an original.
The second one was stamped like an original, it weighed almost the same as an original. And fit very well.
I have heard this same story from a few others. Hope this helps.
Posted via Mobile Device

[71sierragrande]

Originally Posted by YBNORML

I have had two types of aftermarket tailgate.
The first one was a smooth one (no letters) it was crap. Very weak, I could put dents in the top of it with my thumbs. It was also signifigantly lighter than an original.
The second one was stamped like an original, it weighed almost the same as an original. And fit very well.
I have heard this same story from a few others. Hope this helps.
Posted via Mobile Device

Ah, thats why the plains cost half as much...good info.

[burkeens]

See this thread underway right now in the Paint forum. The ones sold by Top Banana are advertised as GM authorized restoration parts, for what it's worth.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440096

[1956cameo]

Thanks for all the help everyone. If I go repop I was planning on spending the extra money for the lettered tailgates. I assumed the extra money was simply for the GM license of the name but maybe there is a little extra quality in those gates as well? I will keep my eyes on the parts board for a used gate, but if something doesn't come up for a reasonable price I will propably try out a repop from a vendor that stands by what they sell.

[Ironhorse]

FWIW, I had the same situation several years ago looking for a "decent" & "affordable" original tailgate (almost an oxymoron I know) for my '71 LWB
4x4. Finally gave up looking and purchased a re-pop from GMC Paul, board vender here. I opted for the plain unstamped 'gate and have been very pleased. Has held up well even with me sitting or standing on it. He had the lettered 'gate at the time also but I went with the plain. Now I'm liking it even more than the Chevrolet lettered 'gate. Even my body guy said it seemed the same as an OEM 'gate except for the lettering. Don't recall the name on the shipping box but I would not hesitate to contact GMC Paul if I needed another. I purchase several items from him and received top drawer parts and customer service.

[PHAT TONY]

I've cut into a tri plus gate to make a 68 GMC tailgate (lettering is wrong on 69+ and don't make correct 67/8 ones), it was every bit as thick steel as the factory gate but didn't fit as well; not bad but not perfect. I know a 130lb dude that can't sit on his tailgate; I'd like to see how thin it really is!
(tri-plus=2 thumbs up)

[Classic Heartbeat]

We sell the Triplus gates. There are a couple of different manufactures out there so not all tailgates are the same. The lettered and plain tailgates that we sell are the same thickness. No flimsy plain TGs sold here.. WES

[basemodel67]

My neighbor across the street has an NOS GMC tailgate in the rafters of his garage. Asked if they wanted to sell it but they don't know why I would want an old dusty part! I told them I would give 'em $50 for it...

[67chevy1series]

[1956cameo]

Thanks everyone! I am actually pleasantly suprised how many people are saying positive things about the repops.