LMC Tailgate

[68wip]

a buddy of mine backed into my (68) truck and dented the (new) bumper and the tailgate. instead of turning it in to our insurance he said he would replace the bumber and tailgate (which he is). he ordered a tailgate w/letters from LMC for like $ 389? or around there. anyway, how are these tailgates? good quality - average -or crap? anyone know?

[70rs/ss]

If it is tri-plus, it should be good. I am in that position now, I need one and am thinking of going repop. I'dve tried to use a board member, but that's cool. most here have horror stories with LMC, I hope it works out for you.

[68wip]

by looking at my tailgate, do you think that there is any way to save it after i replace it? im thinking i can pull the dent out but may screw up the H and the E a little bit.

[6772KEVIN]

I would use Manes Truck Parts, much better service and easily beats that price. Also they wont sell you something if its crap just to make a sale.

[68wip]

do you have a link for Manes? Thanks..in advance!

[T J Randall]

68wip, You can find Manes at:
manestruckparts.com

Good Luck

[timcos]

Why not some of the board vendors?

I had heard good things about GMC Paul, The fellow in Washington and others.

[LUV2XCLR8]

Originally Posted by timcos

Why not some of the board vendors?

Exactly what I was thinking, we all know LMC has the prettiest catalog,
but aside from that I'll NEVER order from them again, their service sucks.

[68wip]

Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated!

[farmerfred]

I've been thinking about getting a new tailgate myself, although I was thinking of getting a plain one. In case this saves anyone some time, here's what I found.

Manes: $199.95. Oversized item.
LMC: $169.95. Not described as oversized.
Brothers: plain not avail.
GMCPauls: $179.95. Oversized. Says "original heavy gauge steel, NEW TOOLING these are a exact fit."

[65-72 chevytoys]

There is a couple over on the parts board that look decent.

[Huck]

Just to clear up some confusion on tailgates---the new ones are not the same quality as the original---period. Metal thinkness, weight, etc. is all relative. The new ones do not have the spot welds running down the middle (above the letters in the indented area) like the original. This tie-in of the front and rear sections of the tailgate adds regidity and makes a difference!! You may also find that the sections that are slid into the ends are not square and may have sloppy spot welds too which can make for alignment issues. You can always cover a blank tailgate or one with minor dents around the letters with the stainless tailgate wood grain overlays with no one the wiser. Just my FYI and .02 based on messing with a lot of used and new re-pop tailgates.

[bedsled71]

i got mine from lmc.. came in good shape