Tailgate

[bowtieboy93]

shaving the tailgate how hard is it? is it forming a peice of sheet metal and getting a handle flip kit or is it hours of labour? and does anyone got any pics one through the process and done? thx

[GREASEMONKEY72]

you could shave the handle and put some latches on the back side or i think you can just flip the handle upside down on the back or even rightside up without a kit but im not sure

[BigMike]

Just so happens I am doing this right now. I bought a full skin from someone that did not fit properly, so I trimmed the upper portion off and just used the bottom section. I tacked it on and kept going back over the same area I previously tacked until it was a solid bead (to keep from warping).

I have a Sir Michaels relocate handle that moves it inside. I just laid out my first skim coat of filler, I'll start sanding in the next few days....Here are some pics.

I'll post more pics as I go if you like, I have the handle kit yet to install.

Mike





The Handle Hole Filled


Skim Coat of Filler Started


Here is what it will look like once finished

[OLDIRON69]

I gotsta do that to mine!

[72CSTC5]

I take it you didn't read the instructions as it tells you to install the handle first. Good LUCK installing that handle in there buddy! Let me know if you EVER GET IT IN!!!!

[BigMike]

Originally Posted by 72CSTC5

I take it you didn't read the instructions as it tells you to install the handle first. Good LUCK installing that handle in there buddy! Let me know if you EVER GET IT IN!!!!

Already done it twice, don't see how the third time will make a difference

Mike

[chevyboy55]

The one thing we did when we did my sons is I went to the local auto body supply store & got new barrel clips for the tailgate handle rods to fit into.
We just went with a letterless gate & relocated the handle.

[72CSTC5]

I tried to help a friend once that shaved his before installing the handle and you just can not get the rods with the latches on and clipped in to the barrel nuts in the handle. You would have to be spiderman or something to get in behind there. How did you do it Mike?

[bowtieboy93]

thanx mike that looks awesome its nice to know what one will look like when done black! and yes any more pics u have during the process would be much appreciated thx

[chevyboy55]

Originally Posted by 72CSTC5

I tried to help a friend once that shaved his before installing the handle and you just can not get the rods with the latches on and clipped in to the barrel nuts in the handle. You would have to be spiderman or something to get in behind there. How did you do it Mike?

My son & I had his rods on & off several times with the hole welded up.It was kinda easy really.

[bowtieboy93]

that black pickup with the shave do u know how much that is lowered?

[bad6772]

just shave the whole gate.

[bowtieboy93]

nah i still like the possibilitie of droppin' the gate and sitting down at the races or just in my garage. plus i want to have something thats easily reversable if it goes out of style like so many other styles.

[BigMike]

Ya, it's not all that hard to install the handle after it has been shaved...Granted, it is easier to hook the rods up through the old handle hole, but it's not too bad going through where the relocated handle is.

If you plan on sitting on the tailgate do NOT get an aftermarket one. I have gone through 2 aftermarket tailgates because they are cheap A$$ junk, it bent when I kneeled on it to get something out of the bed. The tailgate that is on it now is an original one I bought off Craigslist for $60

Mike

[bowtieboy93]

omg what a pos. im only buying nos body parts

[BigMike]

Well, I have not been able to do much because of my back. I was able to get the front of the tailgate in primer. Today I flipped it over and cut the hole for the handle and strip the old paint off. I have to do some bodywork to it before I install the handle.

Here is what it looks like in primer, I'll get some shots of the backside here in the next week or so.

Also, the trick I did to install the handle after the skin is put on is to remove the 2 bolts on both of the latches, this way you can move the rods around much easier in order to get the attached to the back of the handle.

Mike

[OLDIRON69]

Looks awesome Mike!

[Goodguytrucks]

That is a great job!!! Now when can you build me one???

[BigMike]

Here are some updated pics. Before you can mount the Sir Michaels Handle, you need to do a little trimming.

Here is where you need to cut into the tailgate and make room for the handle:


Here is the hole that needs to be cut, the kit will have the exact measurements, I just used the back of the handle as a guide because I lost the original template:


Here is a shot of the handle mounted and ready to be used. The latch rods are a little bit tricky to insert if you have the skin already installed, but it is not that much more difficult, just have to be a little creative


Here is the tailgate mounted to the truck, it still needs plenty of work and I need to properly adjust it but so far so good.


Although this would not be the way I would suggest a novice to shave their tailgate, it can be accomplished with patience. I will be doing plenty more work to the backside of the tailgate sometime in the furure.

Mike

[Fastfun]

Originally Posted by chevyboy55

The one thing we did when we did my sons is I went to the local auto body supply store & got new barrel clips for the tailgate handle rods to fit into.
We just went with a letterless gate & relocated the handle.

I am planning on relocating my handle also. I was wondering where you got the one piece of moulding for the tail gate.

Thanks

[BigSky71]

I used the relocation kit from Brothers. I did install the handle and take the rods in and out 3 or 4 times to make sure I could do it after the outside handle was welded up. Like anything once you have done it a few times it becomes easier. I cut a piece from my old gate to make the filler for the new one.

[wibilly]

although i have never done it i would guess you would use a second piece of the lower trim, but i think using any trim would defeat the purpos of shaving the gate. but thats just my opinion.

[bad6772]

why not shave the whole gate? its not as bad as everyone says it is, i did mine on a saturday. welded the gate shut made .inside out side gussets, welded on a roll pan. and made a filler panle between the gate and the roll pan . and shaved the handle.now its not to practical for a everyday driver but, i dig it although i did cut up two tailgates to make one

[BigMike]

Originally Posted by bad6772

why not shave the whole gate?

Because I want to retain it for sitting on at shows or get togethers. I like having the tailgate as a tailgate.

Mike

[bowtieboy93]

looking good mike! and yeah like i said earlier as well i still like my tailgate to be a tailgate