Aftermarket tailgate experience.. KeyParts

[joel.e]

Does anyone have any experience with the fitment of a KeyParts tailgate? The one that came on my truck is an aftermarket of some kind which doesn't fit well plus I just pushed a big dent in it trying to do some adjustment.

Or does anyone have a recommendation of another brand?

Thanks

[merlin3]

i just installed a Triplus from LMC it took me 14 hours to get it some what close it is a piece of junk,the body lines are way off and it is full of waves.i would not use Triplus again.

[joel.e]

Thanks for the input. That was one on my list.

[70LonghornCST]

The only luck I've ever had was with OEM. You can't beat the quality and the fit is always spot on.

[67ctener]

After thousands and thousands spent on re pop parts I can honestly say the tailgate is by far the nicest. It's a stamped chevrolet gate from key parts. Unless money is no issue to you I'd go re pop tailgate over $800+ nos/take off gate. The aftermarket handle on the other hand was garbage (not sure the brand) the old handle fit in the new gate and function perfect. Hope this helps, thumbs up from me

[LockDoc]

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Personally I think it is a crapshoot from any supplier. If the metal parts are not set into the welding jig correctly during manufacturing everything is going to be off. It only takes a fraction of an inch to screw them up....

LockDoc

[In The Ten Ring]

Do GMC Pauls or Classic Heartbeat have those? I'd trust those vendors.

Lookie!

http://gmcpauls.com/bed_parts.htm

Decent prices in my opinion.

Now to look for classic heartbeat

http://classicheartbeat.com/sheetmetal2.htm

If I couldn't find OEM, I'd go with either of these guys.

[Ironhorse]

It's been at least 7-8 years since I bought my aftermarket tail gate but have been very satisfied with it. Bought it from GMC Paul, board vender, my body guy when the truck was re-painted was quite pleased using it. Plain jane, flat paneled 'gate with no Chevrolet name stamped in it. Actually liking it better than the stamped named gate. No idea who mfg. of the gate was. After this long maybe not much help, just thought would throw that out there for what it's worth.

[joel.e]

I appreciate all the input. It's good to know that some have had luck with aftermarket parts. I'll check on the links above. Top Banana reps KeyParts and I can drive up to Lynchburg and pick it up at the warehouse.

[turp mcspray]

I have used a repop gate with letters, and it was every bit as nice as an oem!

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by joel.e

I appreciate all the input. It's good to know that some have had luck with aftermarket parts. I'll check on the links above. Top Banana reps KeyParts and I can drive up to Lynchburg and pick it up at the warehouse.

I would try to take it back and exchange it...

LockDoc

[FlameOut]

I'll be needing to purchase a tailgate in the near future. I sure hope my crapshoot gets me a good one. I've been getting all of my parts locally (Luttys Chevy) or else shipping would just kill the price. I will be hitting the Canfield, OH swap meet this weekend, so maybe I'll get lucky and find a OEM

[burb71]

I have only had and use original GM Gates, from what I have heard about the repop Gates even if the fit is good its not strong, you can't sit or stand on it.
Me and both my kids can sit or stand on our original GM Gate.

[joel.e]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

I would try to take it back and exchange it...

LockDoc

Sorry for the confusion. My truck came with an aftermarket tailgate of unknown brand. I was looking at replacing it with one from KeyParts or another brand.

[boraxman]

I would hit Craigslist daily, I picked a dent free original paint OE gate for 125 a few weeks ago. Theyre out there.

[burkeens]

Originally Posted by In The Ten Ring

Do GMC Pauls or Classic Heartbeat have those? I'd trust those vendors.

Lookie!

http://gmcpauls.com/bed_parts.htm

Decent prices in my opinion.

Now to look for classic heartbeat

http://classicheartbeat.com/sheetmetal2.htm

If I couldn't find OEM, I'd go with either of these guys.

For what it's worth, GMCPauls and Classic Hearbeat both sell TriPlus tailgates.

I have heard good things in the past about Mar-K, but they don't appear to sell 67-72 fleetside tailgates anymore. Is that true, and why?