opinion.... making a new tailgate, what do you think?

[buds truck]

So I get this new bed from Eastern Washington and I'm really happy with it, but the tailgate is toast (as usual). I'm standing there staring at the whole box assembly when the light bulb goes off in the ole noggin. Since I am not going to use the front panel on this bed (I am using a spare rear cab panel to match the curve), why not take the perfect front panel and build a tailgate out of it? It has the same design except for the Dodge logo and mine is good enough to weld in to that area if I choose to. I would have to fabricate a top, bottom and sides, but it doesn't seem insurmountable. What do you guys think???? Bud

[Young Ed]

I'm wondering why you haven't gone and bought some pipe already for the top and bottom.

[Dave72dt]

I did a Ford tailgate several years ago that had been used mire as a bumper t than a tailgate. The edges take the biggest beatings and are the hardest to straighten and will distort an otherwise good inner panel. I resurected that one by buiding a new top and bottom and straightening the recessed panels. Top and bottom pieces don't have to be rolled out of one piece, just have to look like it was. Go for it.

[Jim Gaspard]

Genius or ingenius, with your welding craft skills, it will be a piece of cake.

[smallblockjunkie]

you need to put the dodge name on the tailgate. that is what I did with my chevy tailgate. Now it is a dodge tail gate

[John-T-53]

The thickness of the front panel's sheet metal may be thinner than the tail gate panel; take this into consideration as dents will happen easier if it is...especially if your truck will be used for work.

[buds truck]

John, the truck will be a full custom, not much other than coolers will be carried in the back....... Bud.

[48Dodger]

You're changing the front of the bed with the lower back panel of a spare cab.... I like that idea. BUT.....(you did ask my opinion, right? lol).....I think the gate should be original. I can see you reshaping the back end for a smoother look, but keeping the original gate for detail. I gotta believe we can help you find a nice t-gate.

48D

[buds truck]

I agree that the tailgate should look as original as possible, I think I can accomplish that. About the only good part on my tailgate is the dodge logo. I can incorporate that in the new tailgate. I'm thinking it would be hard to tell from original. Bud

[SteveMelchiorre]

I'm sure whatever you do it'll be cheaper than the $870 they want for a tailgate on horkeyswoodandparts!

Steve...

[48Dodger]

I agree that the tailgate should look as original as possible, I think I can accomplish that.

I think you have the idea in your head. I say get it done, and we'll count it 25% towards your final grade. lol.

48D

Edited May 26, 2009 by 48dodger

[MBF]

Not sure if this is what you're looking for but there is 1 listed on eb

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/48-49-50-51-52-53-54-Dodge-Truck-Pickup-Tailgate-N-Mint_W0QQitemZ170333032077QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item27a8a3ce8d&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A317%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

[buds truck]

Not sure if this is what you're looking for but there is 1 listed on eb

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/48-49-50-51-52-53-54-Dodge-Truck-Pickup-Tailgate-N-Mint_W0QQitemZ170333032077QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item27a8a3ce8d&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A317%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

I appreciate the heads up, but wrong one. sigh........ Bud

[Dale Uhrich]

what i did was buy a new tailgate from mar-k and have the body shop wireweld the name logo into it. if you look back there's pictures of it on this site. FARGO

[Jerry Roberts]

I also think that you can find an original tailgate replacement , but if you do decide to fabricate , look at the EMT electrical conduct at the hardware store for the pipe portion .

[dsquared]

Bud I have a old low side tailgate you can have its rough, the dodge logo is in tact. I was going to make a trailer to match the truck but I am running out of steam, the rest of bed is up for grabs for a donation to the forum.

[buds truck]

thanks, but my Dodge logo is good too. Probably not worth the shipping to get it here for me. I appreciate the offer. bud

[carl b51]

Bud you know and I know you can do it, So do it . It will turn out GREAT. Carl