K5 Tailgaite Missing letter (CHEV OLET)

[CJ5 Convert]

Hey everyone, I searched the site and didn't find anything but if anyone can tell me what is up with my tailgate and it's missing letter that would be awesome. Is this an aftermarket gate or just some kind of messed up run from chevy. Well any help is appreciated thanks.

-Jason

[1969k10stepside]

That whole tailgate looks full of body filler.That's my guess,that it is covered by body filler for some reason.

[jcfoote60]

Looks like it might have been dented there over the R and when it was repaired they filled it since it wouldn't have looked right anyway??? Just a guess

[CJ5 Convert]

Ha. I have to be the dumbest person alive. I didn't even think of that. Well with that said I checked and yall are right. So what is the best way to take care of that. Will this be one of those things I'll just have to reapaint when I get ready to fix the paint or do yall think I'll be able to get all of that junk out of there? I'M SO STOOPID

[jcfoote60]

You know if it were me, I would post here on the boards for another tailgate. They are pretty easy to find and your options are pretty slim given the nature of the repair....get another tailgate, buy a re-pop or install a tailgate band...the cheapest would be to find a good repairable tailgate with little or no damage in the letter area.

[CJ5 Convert]

Originally Posted by jcfoote60

You know if it were me, I would post here on the boards for another tailgate. They are pretty easy to find and your options are pretty slim given the nature of the repair....get another tailgate, buy a re-pop or install a tailgate band...the cheapest would be to find a good repairable tailgate with little or no damage in the letter area.

jcfoote60 or anyone else do you know if the CST's had a tailgate band or were they blank? This one has holes all in it so who knows what it came with.

[jcfoote60]

all tailgates from the factory were stamped either Chevrolet or GMC, the tailgate bands were a trim option, likely yours came with a band since it has all the holes in it. the band simply covered up the stamped lettering so you didn't see it. ON another note, getting a new band is one thing, however I do think your tailgate has a ton of filler in it from the photos. I would replace the tailgate if it were me with a better used one.

[CJ5 Convert]

Good call jcfoote60 it's approximately 1/8" to 1/4" thick. But at least you can see the R now. All I need to do is rattlecan a little primer gray on there and it will still look better than it did . First I gotta rewire the monster. Then I will get to the tailgate when I get to the rest of the body.

Thanks for the help.

[Yukon Jack]

Now that was really odd. Prior owners never cease to amaze me.

[raggedjim]

Someone needs a good kick in the a$$, I hate finding stuff like that.

A good used tailgate is the best cure.

Good luck, Rg