Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MrC1 · 10-19-2005, 11:26 PM

I've heard horror stories about the Chinese replicas being poor quality, namely not straight. Anyone have experience with this?

Either way, where's the best place to pick up a new one?

I assume it's probably pretty tough to find a good used one anymore. Bodywork isn't my thing, so I thought I would probably just go with a new repop piece.

Huck · 10-20-2005, 08:08 AM

You can get a repop of decent quality from any of our board vendors for under $200. without lettering. The "Chevrolet or GMC" lettered ones are a bit more. Most of the newer production from Tiwan is decent--not up to the original quality but acceptable to most. The difference is in the quality of the stamping and the lack of welding were the gate meets in the middle between the front and rear just below the latch handle. Should be spot welded all the way accross and I have not seen aftermarket with this welding.
If you want an original, just post wanted to buy in the Dallas area and a local board member will probably find you one--just make sure it doesn't have rust or BONDO issues~~~Good luck--Huck

chevybill · 10-20-2005, 09:39 AM

I have one word for you DYNACORN.

Ed at Mothertruckers in Bradenton Florida sells these and if you want the best available this is it.

**tnblazerk5** · 10-20-2005, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevybill

I have one word for you DYNACORN.

Ed at Mothertruckers in Bradenton Florida sells these and if you want the best available this is it.

whats DYNACORN ?

HeavyD · 10-20-2005, 01:01 PM

Reproduction parts manufacturer.

**dennislbrooks** · 10-20-2005, 01:07 PM

My Goodmark is not a real good fit. Best I can say is that the poor fit is not real noticeable.

**Smitty** · 10-20-2005, 06:28 PM

Don't know the brand. But a friend bought a no letter one and it didn't fit worth a darn! The end piece on one side was too far in from the edge causing the pivoting arm to contact and bend the skin. Also on these pieces on both sides there places where the spot weld wasn't right allowing the skin to gap there! So if possible take it out of the box and look before you buy. Or do it right after you get it so that you can deal with it right away!

**truckdude239** · 10-20-2005, 06:48 PM

www.mainstruckparts.com

MrC1 · 10-20-2005, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevybill

I have one word for you DYNACORN.

Ed at Mothertruckers in Bradenton Florida sells these and if you want the best available this is it.

I assume these are pricey? What are we talkin about here for a lettered one?

Anyone go with a GM piece?

AKChevyman · 10-20-2005, 08:51 PM

I have bought a lot of stuff from these guys and I like the quality
http://www.carpartsdiscount.com/

71swb4x4 · 10-20-2005, 09:10 PM

I bought one this summer from GMC Pauls. It's a no letter, and fit great. It is the same gauge as a stock one. I can't say enough about it, it was top notch.

Longhorn Man · 10-20-2005, 09:42 PM

Or, the best rout, keep an eue on e-bay for a brand new 35 year old take off gate.
Seems to pop up once a month or so, and depending on color and trim level, they can be had for a couple hundred...all the way up to You paid WHAT??????

jay_shy · 10-20-2005, 10:42 PM

I called the local chevy dealer a few months ago and they told me they could get the step side gates for (if I remember correctly) a little over 300.00.

Did not ask about the fleet gates.

Jason

chevybill · 10-20-2005, 11:38 PM

Mothertruckers site lists the lettered tailgate at 309 and he will stand behind his products 100 percent. He even matched a lower price I found on the lettered tailgate. (If i think of where I found the lower price i will send it to you.) Some guy with a blazer had my friend who owns a body shop had him smooth a factory gate with filler and now you can see the letters in the paint, he sees my gate at the shop and tries to buy the gate from me. My buddy told him to get the website information off the box so he could order his own high quality tailgate. A different guy with another blazer (he was going the cheapest route also) bought a gate (we think from LMC) and when he stepped up on it the first time it BOWED in the middle to the point that it would not latch. You get what you pay for.

My truck is a keeper and will be passed to my son so I am using the best I can afford in all body and other parts.

chevybill

**PICKMUP** · 10-20-2005, 11:46 PM

The repro TGs are about 10 lbs/20% lighter than the originals, but that's not important unless you are loading about 500 lbs in the middle of the gate. They look very good because they are straight & smooth and about half the cost of an NOS (if you can even find an NOS).
The repro parts are a very good solution to the dwindling supply of good used parts. Remember, if the old gate is bent, then the bedsides may also be tweeked and will need to be straightened/aligned. You can't just throw these parts on and expect them to look perfect.

Chevy Chef · 10-23-2005, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKChevyman

I have bought a lot of stuff from these guys and I like the quality
http://www.carpartsdiscount.com/

I took a look at this site. They have great prices. At least on the tailgate Im looking at. Seems a lot cheaper than most. They say the gauge is heavier than the original. Anyone else ever use these guys?

sixty8c10 · 10-23-2005, 03:51 PM

that carpartsdiscount site has the lettered ones for less than 300$.....wow

AKChevyman · 10-23-2005, 04:05 PM

Someone mentioned weight of the origianl and repo I will go weigh mine to see if same weight I took a look at the one I bought from Carpartsdiscount.com but I haven't put it on yet becuase I don't have an assembled bed to do that. I will get back with you guys in a few minutes

AKChevyman · 10-23-2005, 04:20 PM

Ok the tailgate from carpartsdiscount.com is 10 pounds lighter then my original but It dosn't have the handle assembly in it or the striker plates. as for the Guage it seems close but it isn't the same thickness it is thinner by my eyeball.

larry may · 10-23-2005, 08:21 PM

Found one for myself on the Parts Forum. Was /is a Quality TailGate for being near 40 years old. Only had a minor Scratch. and is original equipment........Thanks to AMERICANRIDER.

Chevy Chef · 10-23-2005, 09:02 PM

Seems I cant post at that forum yet. I am really looking for a good tailgate, I dont care what color it is or if it has the handle/ latch parts. I'll just have to post a little more to be able to look for one.

**PICKMUP** · 10-23-2005, 09:16 PM

I would be cautious of any company that claims to have heavier/thicker parts than oem and actually has parts 20% lighter/thinner.

It would seem that they are either trying to fool you or they don't know their own parts! Either should not be acceptable.

You should expect a clear, accurate, honest description of the items you are buying...with an easy no penalty satisfaction guarantee.

**special-K** · 10-23-2005, 11:15 PM

Answer:Joesjunk`s shop wall.J/K

MAR-Ktech · 10-24-2005, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKChevyman

I have bought a lot of stuff from these guys and I like the quality
http://www.carpartsdiscount.com/

Chevyman, I am curious. Where are these people located? Do you remember where the parts came from? I checked the site and did not find any address. It's good they are selling quality products. The prices are quite low, but the descriptions are a little vague and there are not many pictures.

There was no indication if the parts are "GM restoration parts". Was this noted on the parts or packaging?

I noticed one statement in a tailgate description, "All of our Body Pieces are made from grade 1006 steel, which is slightly heavier but three times as strong as original. " That is an interesting claim.

Mar-Ktech

**special-K** · 10-24-2005, 07:20 PM

Yeah,that`s what I was thinking,tall claim.

10-19-2005, 11:26 PM	#1
MrC1 Dork For Days Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Dallas Posts: 407	Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? I've heard horror stories about the Chinese replicas being poor quality, namely not straight. Anyone have experience with this? Either way, where's the best place to pick up a new one? I assume it's probably pretty tough to find a good used one anymore. Bodywork isn't my thing, so I thought I would probably just go with a new repop piece.

10-20-2005, 08:08 AM	#2
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? You can get a repop of decent quality from any of our board vendors for under $200. without lettering. The "Chevrolet or GMC" lettered ones are a bit more. Most of the newer production from Tiwan is decent--not up to the original quality but acceptable to most. The difference is in the quality of the stamping and the lack of welding were the gate meets in the middle between the front and rear just below the latch handle. Should be spot welded all the way accross and I have not seen aftermarket with this welding. If you want an original, just post wanted to buy in the Dallas area and a local board member will probably find you one--just make sure it doesn't have rust or BONDO issues~~~Good luck--Huck

10-20-2005, 09:39 AM	#3
chevybill Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: calhoun city ms Posts: 940	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? I have one word for you DYNACORN. Ed at Mothertruckers in Bradenton Florida sells these and if you want the best available this is it. __________________ ongoing 1970 c 10 lwb 1994 z-28 few mods.-owned since new 1978 vette silver/grey 25th anniv. paint

10-20-2005, 01:01 PM	#5
HeavyD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wakaw, Sask, Canada Posts: 3,177	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? Reproduction parts manufacturer. __________________ "You can take the man out of PA, but you can't take PA out of the man" Last edited by HeavyD; 10-20-2005 at 01:02 PM.

10-20-2005, 01:07 PM	#6
dennislbrooks Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Williamsburg, Ohio Posts: 1,766	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? My Goodmark is not a real good fit. Best I can say is that the poor fit is not real noticeable.

10-20-2005, 06:28 PM	#7
Smitty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Spring Valley, Ca. Posts: 1,109	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? Don't know the brand. But a friend bought a no letter one and it didn't fit worth a darn! The end piece on one side was too far in from the edge causing the pivoting arm to contact and bend the skin. Also on these pieces on both sides there places where the spot weld wasn't right allowing the skin to gap there! So if possible take it out of the box and look before you buy. Or do it right after you get it so that you can deal with it right away! __________________ Smitty '71 Short Fleetside Spring Valley, Ca.

10-20-2005, 06:48 PM	#8
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,230	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? www.mainstruckparts.com

10-20-2005, 08:51 PM	#10
AKChevyman Chevy Forever Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Dalzell SC Posts: 314	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? I have bought a lot of stuff from these guys and I like the quality http://www.carpartsdiscount.com/ __________________ My first love 1971 C20 Hugger orange Getting face lift and heart transplant .30 402 BB /TH400 and GV Wifes car 1969 Chevelle SS 396 325hp/TH400 Factroy A/C Automatic w/ Floor shift console. restored.

10-20-2005, 09:10 PM	#11
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? I bought one this summer from GMC Pauls. It's a no letter, and fit great. It is the same gauge as a stock one. I can't say enough about it, it was top notch. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

10-20-2005, 09:42 PM	#12
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? Or, the best rout, keep an eue on e-bay for a brand new 35 year old take off gate. Seems to pop up once a month or so, and depending on color and trim level, they can be had for a couple hundred...all the way up to You paid WHAT??????

10-20-2005, 10:42 PM	#13
jay_shy SWB 4X4 CLUB Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: PA Posts: 1,088	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? I called the local chevy dealer a few months ago and they told me they could get the step side gates for (if I remember correctly) a little over 300.00. Did not ask about the fleet gates. Jason

10-20-2005, 11:38 PM	#14
chevybill Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: calhoun city ms Posts: 940	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? Mothertruckers site lists the lettered tailgate at 309 and he will stand behind his products 100 percent. He even matched a lower price I found on the lettered tailgate. (If i think of where I found the lower price i will send it to you.) Some guy with a blazer had my friend who owns a body shop had him smooth a factory gate with filler and now you can see the letters in the paint, he sees my gate at the shop and tries to buy the gate from me. My buddy told him to get the website information off the box so he could order his own high quality tailgate. A different guy with another blazer (he was going the cheapest route also) bought a gate (we think from LMC) and when he stepped up on it the first time it BOWED in the middle to the point that it would not latch. You get what you pay for. My truck is a keeper and will be passed to my son so I am using the best I can afford in all body and other parts. chevybill __________________ ongoing 1970 c 10 lwb 1994 z-28 few mods.-owned since new 1978 vette silver/grey 25th anniv. paint Last edited by chevybill; 10-20-2005 at 11:39 PM.

10-20-2005, 11:46 PM	#15
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,125	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? The repro TGs are about 10 lbs/20% lighter than the originals, but that's not important unless you are loading about 500 lbs in the middle of the gate. They look very good because they are straight & smooth and about half the cost of an NOS (if you can even find an NOS). The repro parts are a very good solution to the dwindling supply of good used parts. Remember, if the old gate is bent, then the bedsides may also be tweeked and will need to be straightened/aligned. You can't just throw these parts on and expect them to look perfect.

10-23-2005, 03:51 PM	#17
sixty8c10 MY EX DRIVES A BROOM Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Herington, KS Posts: 869	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? that carpartsdiscount site has the lettered ones for less than 300$.....wow __________________ They say nobody's perfect. I'm a nobody, so I must be perfect. Building Nemo -1968 C10 Long Bed FRED -1947 KB-2 International

10-23-2005, 04:05 PM	#18
AKChevyman Chevy Forever Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Dalzell SC Posts: 314	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? Someone mentioned weight of the origianl and repo I will go weigh mine to see if same weight I took a look at the one I bought from Carpartsdiscount.com but I haven't put it on yet becuase I don't have an assembled bed to do that. I will get back with you guys in a few minutes __________________ My first love 1971 C20 Hugger orange Getting face lift and heart transplant .30 402 BB /TH400 and GV Wifes car 1969 Chevelle SS 396 325hp/TH400 Factroy A/C Automatic w/ Floor shift console. restored.



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10-23-2005, 04:20 PM	#19
AKChevyman Chevy Forever Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Dalzell SC Posts: 314	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? Ok the tailgate from carpartsdiscount.com is 10 pounds lighter then my original but It dosn't have the handle assembly in it or the striker plates. as for the Guage it seems close but it isn't the same thickness it is thinner by my eyeball. __________________ My first love 1971 C20 Hugger orange Getting face lift and heart transplant .30 402 BB /TH400 and GV Wifes car 1969 Chevelle SS 396 325hp/TH400 Factroy A/C Automatic w/ Floor shift console. restored. Last edited by AKChevyman; 10-23-2005 at 04:21 PM.

10-23-2005, 08:21 PM	#20
larry may Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: MISSOURI Posts: 3,256	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? Found one for myself on the Parts Forum. Was /is a Quality TailGate for being near 40 years old. Only had a minor Scratch. and is original equipment........Thanks to AMERICANRIDER.

10-23-2005, 09:02 PM	#21
Chevy Chef Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NC Posts: 21	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? Seems I cant post at that forum yet. I am really looking for a good tailgate, I dont care what color it is or if it has the handle/ latch parts. I'll just have to post a little more to be able to look for one.

10-23-2005, 09:16 PM	#22
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,125	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? I would be cautious of any company that claims to have heavier/thicker parts than oem and actually has parts 20% lighter/thinner. It would seem that they are either trying to fool you or they don't know their own parts! Either should not be acceptable. You should expect a clear, accurate, honest description of the items you are buying...with an easy no penalty satisfaction guarantee.

10-23-2005, 11:15 PM	#23
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? Answer:Joesjunk`s shop wall.J/K __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

10-24-2005, 07:20 PM	#25
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: Where's the best place to get a new tailgate? Yeah,that`s what I was thinking,tall claim. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

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