Aftermarket tailgate experience.. KeyParts - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

joel.e · 09-07-2014, 03:03 PM

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 · 09-07-2014, 06:22 PM

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 · 09-07-2014, 08:58 PM

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

70LonghornCST · 09-07-2014, 11:37 PM

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

67ctener · 09-08-2014, 12:30 AM

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** · 09-08-2014, 12:43 AM

-
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 · 09-08-2014, 12:57 AM

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** · 09-08-2014, 07:53 AM

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 · 09-08-2014, 08:47 AM

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 · 09-08-2014, 09:39 AM

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

**LockDoc** · 09-08-2014, 09:41 AM

Quote:

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 · 09-08-2014, 09:45 AM

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** · 09-08-2014, 09:58 AM

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 · 09-08-2014, 10:20 AM

Quote:

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 · 09-08-2014, 11:00 AM

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

burkeens · 09-08-2014, 03:10 PM

Quote:

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?

09-07-2014, 03:03 PM	#1
joel.e Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Moseley, VA Posts: 164	Aftermarket tailgate experience.. KeyParts 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 __________________ 1967 C10 SWB Fleetside Duramax/Allison 1966 Chevelle Malibu, EFI BBC, pro touring starter kit

09-07-2014, 06:22 PM	#2
merlin3 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: nantucket,ma Posts: 230	Re: Aftermarket tailgate experience.. KeyParts 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.

09-07-2014, 08:58 PM	#3
joel.e Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Moseley, VA Posts: 164	Re: Aftermarket tailgate experience.. KeyParts Thanks for the input. That was one on my list. __________________ 1967 C10 SWB Fleetside Duramax/Allison 1966 Chevelle Malibu, EFI BBC, pro touring starter kit

09-07-2014, 11:37 PM	#4
70LonghornCST Moderator Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 5,775	Re: Aftermarket tailgate experience.. KeyParts The only luck I've ever had was with OEM. You can't beat the quality and the fit is always spot on. __________________ 2018 Chevy Crew Cab 2006 Impala SS 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury 1970 Chevy Longhorn Bucket Seats Shoulder Belts Front Tow Hooks Factory Air Factory Speedwarning, Tach & Vaccum Factory Tilt CST Package AM/FM Radio Bumper Guards Richard 70 Longhorn CST Build Adding an AM/FM Decal

09-08-2014, 12:30 AM	#5
67ctener Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Arlington Washington Posts: 1,808	Re: Aftermarket tailgate experience.. KeyParts 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 __________________ Scott 67 c10 sold 89 c1500 90 k2500 91 s10 #chevyonly

09-08-2014, 12:43 AM	#6
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,633	Re: Aftermarket tailgate experience.. KeyParts - 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 __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

09-08-2014, 12:57 AM	#7
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,421	Re: Aftermarket tailgate experience.. KeyParts 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. Last edited by In The Ten Ring; 09-08-2014 at 01:04 AM.

09-08-2014, 07:53 AM	#8
Ironhorse Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Wellington, Ks Posts: 10,284	Re: Aftermarket tailgate experience.. KeyParts 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. __________________ 1971 Chevy 1/2T 4x4 LWB 350 V-8 Was sm465-now 350TH/np205 Tilt, Tach, Towhooks Original Truck AM/FM Wellington, Ks

09-08-2014, 08:47 AM	#9
joel.e Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Moseley, VA Posts: 164	Re: Aftermarket tailgate experience.. KeyParts 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. __________________ 1967 C10 SWB Fleetside Duramax/Allison 1966 Chevelle Malibu, EFI BBC, pro touring starter kit

09-08-2014, 09:39 AM	#10
turp mcspray Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Rapid City South Dakota Posts: 2,359	Re: Aftermarket tailgate experience.. KeyParts I have used a repop gate with letters, and it was every bit as nice as an oem! __________________ Turp Mcspray New life for an old 2wd, farm blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=505987 My Blazer build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342299

09-08-2014, 09:45 AM	#12
FlameOut Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 712	Re: Aftermarket tailgate experience.. KeyParts 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 __________________ Bill 2004 Chevy Silverado Z71 Ext Cab 1500 1972 Chevy K-10 SOLD 1967 Chevelle SS

09-08-2014, 09:58 AM	#13
burb71 Active Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Ft. Myers, Fl Posts: 1,716	Re: Aftermarket tailgate experience.. KeyParts 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.

09-08-2014, 11:00 AM	#15
boraxman Keepin an eye out Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: So.Cal Posts: 3,921	Re: Aftermarket tailgate experience.. KeyParts I would hit Craigslist daily, I picked a dent free original paint OE gate for 125 a few weeks ago. Theyre out there. __________________ 1970 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3 1996 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 2007 Vespa GTS 250 Scooter ZIP 91351



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