Tailgate, aftermarket vs. fix the existing

[66C10LB]

Hey. Just wondering about the general consensus about whether it is worth doing significant work on an existing tailgate vs. just buying an aftermarket tailgate. In my case, the existing tailgate has some heavy bondo areas that would have to be cut out and replaced with new metal, perhaps some seams split and rewelded, and some hammer and dolly work to improve the definition on a couple of the letters. Also, in my case I am aiming to restore this truck as it was originally (all of the original stuff is there including the 283 4spd, etc). Also, opinions on how having an aftermarket tailgate affects the value of the vehicle. (the truck is totally frame off at the moment...every bolt). Thanks!

[bumwine]

Me personally i would just buy a replacement from Mar-k.

[66C10LB]

Originally Posted by bumwine

Me personally i would just buy a replacement from Mar-k.

Thanks bumwine. I have ordered the counterpart version (local distributor here in BC Canada had a promotion, so quite low cost and no extra charge for delivery). I understand that mark-k is better, but hoping the counterpart is ok. (my counterpart front outer fenders, floor pans, kicks and rockers seem quite accurate). Anybody have experience with Counterpart tailgate?

[jayoldschool]

The one we picked up for the 63 looks good.

[66C10LB]

Glad to hear jayoldschool. That is reassuring!

[vin63]

I also with with an aftermarket tailgate and Mark-K hardware since my original would've cost more time and money to fix and repair.

[65truckowner]

Buy aftermarket. I did for my last frame off and it fit and looked great. Saved a huge amount of time. Well worth it.

[oem4me]

For me, the answer is still finding an original factory part in good shape. Better parts for less money is how it's always been ... but I'll admit thinning supply has made parts hunting much more challenging lately. The day is coming (as it has for other years and makes) that finding good parts has more to do with luck than diligence.

[66C10LB]

Nice patch job lugnutz65. Thanks for showing the pics.

[66C10LB]

My thought too 65truckowner. There are enough other things to do on the project. I will be keeping the old tailgate as well, though...I dunno...maybe I'll turn it into a fold-down bench or something.

[akqj9]

If it is a repop, make sure you read the reviews on that brand first. I bought one of those Chinese ones for my Ford and it fell apart. I think I could still read the "Budweiser" under the paint

[Gmc.guy]

Make sure the part does not specify "cosmetic" replacement I got a stepside one many years ago, just the cheap no-letter ones. It was marked cosmetic replacement and it was terrible thin. The tailgate chain brackets were 1/4" but the sheet metal was thin. I guess what do you expect for 80$ haha. It fit good but you couldn't sit on it You shouldn't have problems with the licensed ones from a good supplier