Tailgate welded shut

[John Fabris]

If I were to do a showtruck, I would entertain that option, it is a cool looking mod that does not take away from the natural lines (in my opinion). If I were building a truck that is to be used as a truck, then no, your putting yourself at risks of scratchting or denting the bedsides or rails due to lifting or jumping over/into bed.

Some of the advise seems harsh, nice to see you taking it for the value of each's opinion.

[taylordise]

Originally Posted by Zoomin

Since the bed would be unusable, I'd go ahead and seal the top of the bed while I was at it..

That license plate location is horrible, and I would do the taillights.

If I do end up doing it, I would go with the style of the blue one. I hate the license plate location as well. And the plan is to put a flush mount lid on the bed as well.

[N2TRUX]

Since everyone has told you what they think, I will ask what you think. Do you really want to have a truck with a mod that will date it? If you are spending a lot of time and money to build a truck do you want it to look like it was built in 2010 due to certain color choices or mods done? Thats what you have to decide.

If you go with a trendy wheel style, they can be updated. Body mods, not so much.

[colin_havens]

I have always thought it was a cool mod, and that silver C-10 is one of the ones that got me drooling over this body style C-10. I think it looks fantastic, and the blue one I like even more. No matter what you do, put your own personal touch to it and make it yours, as thats why we call them "customs". If it were me, I would smooth mine completely out, and put thin vertical leds flushed in where the origional taillights were, and dust oen coat of whatever color you plan on painting your truck to truely hide the taillights until you mash the brake lights or turn on your lights at night. As we all know, you will either sell it for another project some day, and you can always fins another bed if you want to go back to having a tailgate.

With that all being said, I will not be smoothing mine out. While I like the look, I also like sitting on my tailgate and relaxing at a show. It just one of the things you can only do with a truck, and no other vehicle.

[Putter]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

...Do you really want to have a truck with a mod that will date it? If you are spending a lot of time and money to build a truck do you want it to look like it was built in 2010 due to certain color choices or mods done? Thats what you have to decide.
If you go with a trendy wheel style, they can be updated. Body mods, not so much.

I have to agree with N2TRUX. I can't tell you how many times I have seen mini trucks and can instantly tell you roughly what year they were finished.

Targa-top or topless Mazdas, Nissans or Toyotas were all the rage for several years. If they are still on the road, you can spot them anywhere and remember seeing all the issues of Truckin' or Mini Truckin' mag.

[Spoof]

I'm as conservative as they come with these trucks, I can't stand many mods to my own vehicle so I wouldn't consider it.
That being said I think that blue truck looks fantastic and the silver looks pretty fine as well, but all this is dependent upon first rate body work. Unless you have the skills or pocketbook to do it well, I'd leave it stock.

[brad_man_72]

imho... it will look dated, its kind of an extreme mod for not much wow factor.
id only do it if i was building a radical custom with a ton of custom bodywork inside the bed.

im personally not a fan of the block lettering but like the factory lines and taillights. im going for more of a muscleCAR feel with my truck so this is what i did with my tailgate.

[67cheby]

i agree with the others, unless it is a total radical custom, my other issue with it is when you see them that have been done a few years it seems like the seams are always cracked