Tailgate Question...

[espkh3]

Hi all, this may have been discussed before sorry if it was. If a tailgate has a slight bow to it is there a way to fix it?

[Franks Fab Shop]

with proper technique and carefully done.. sure!
lay some 2 x 4's on the ground, lay tail gate on it.(the obvious way) jump up and down vigorously, till the desired shape is acheived!
just take your time! good luck

[espkh3]

Thanks I'll give it a try. I wasn't sure if there was a more technical way, didnt want to cause more damage with the rising cost of tailgates.

Scott

[Franks Fab Shop]

sounds easy enough... but the technical part is not to hurt it worse by overbending,or denting it on the supported side.

[likaroc13]

mine is bowed from the inside-out...but it's just in the center portion...it's enough that the tailgate doesn't close completely flush on either side...if i look down inside the bed, i can see the small gap & light coming through the center section...this is one thing that will drive me crazy when i get ready for paint/bodywork...i might try to just find another gate, but the one i have is pretty decent aside from the bow

let us know how it works out for you

[markeb01]

If you had something the same length and very solid like a Barden bumper, you might be able to turn it around with the bow against the solid object and pull the ends in with heavy clamps. As it gets closer to flat, you could add a wood spacer in the center to bend it slightly beyond center, then when it springs back it could end up with a flat profile.

Same concept as jumping up and down, but with a tad better control. Sounds kind of barnyard, but I've seen professional body shops use the same practice.

[espkh3]

I will let you know. Going to the beach this weekend, so I will try it on Monday. It's funny whenever I take a road trip I look through Craigslist in that town to see what I can't live without.