The original! Relentless fab tailgate reinforcements

Just installed my aluminum powder coated tailgate reinforcement. Anyone with a Bak-Flip ( I have an F1 ) cover will have to cut a half inch off the bottom rails and it will close without hitting. I cut the 3 tabs off the existing fiberglass cover so i could put it over top. Cut 1 mm off of the rubber tailgate grommets. I put some foam tape under the top and inside of the outside tailgate part. For the big screws I drilled the holes bigger in the original plastic cover and then the screws went perfectly flush. You can feel the tailgate is heavier and allot more sturdy.

 

Just finished my install of the aluminum powder coated tailgate. Man this thing is awesome! It took me a lot longer than I expected to install, but then again I didn't really do much research and I ended up a few too many beers in about half way through which didn't help, so maybe some of this stuff would have been obvious to others, but I always like to post as many stupid details as possible for future people to see.

Regardless, this thing is beautiful! Shipping was quick, everything was packaged well, and build quality is great. Maybe i'm just stupid but it took me about 30 minutes to figure out this thing isn't going to just pop on over the tailgate while on the truck straight on. The taper on the lip is perfectly form fitting which makes for a nice final product, but a snug install. Everything ended up fine for me but a little more detailed instructions in the first post would have saved me a lot of time.

So on to my install. Taking off the main fiberglass piece is easy, nothing fancy. The plastic top piece is held in with a bunch of heavy duty clips which were a bit of a pain. There might be an easier way to release the clips, but I ripped it off with a lot of force and only broke two of the plastic clips. I don't plan on using it again, but I doubt I could if I wanted to. From there I put painters tape over the top parts of the tailgate where the metal might touch. I covered the whole top down to about 1/2" above where the metal ends just to be safe (you can't see any of the tape after the install). Then I put some of the camper tape foam stuff mentioned previously in this topic along the top of the tailgate as well as the outside of the the tailgate. I stuck the foam stuff onto the new reinforcement piece instead of onto the trucks tailgate (not sure if this is relevant). Then I unclipped one of the two tailgate support cables. After that I could slide the new reinforcement plate over the tailgate and into position from the side. It's a really snug fit, especially with the foam and tape in place, but that isn't a problem. Once I slid it across I attached the cable support back on. I wanted to keep the stock look so I put the fiberglass cover piece back on. YOU CAN STILL USE ALL THE SAME STOCK SCREWS EVEN WITH THE STOCK FIBERGLASS PIECE. However to get the top larger screws to sit flush I drilled out the top holes of the fiberglass piece just large enough so the bolt shoulders would fit through. Then I bolted everything back together. At this point you'll probably try to close the tailgate and realize it doesn't want to close. Shave the rubber stoppers down until you can close the tailgate easily. After that sit back and marvel at your awesome sturdy new taco tailgate. I know I am.

 

Thanks for the positive feedback! Enjoy the solid feel and piece of mind the reinforcement offers!

 

Would it be possible to incorporate something like this into one of these tailgate reinforcments?

 

Subd

 

Will this work with a canopy that has a lip that goes over the outside of the tailgate?

 

I have one and no problems with my SnugTop and the lip, either.

 

Thanks bro!

 

Hope this isn't considered hijacking the thread but I'd like some details & or links to this tool box. Nice job. Thanks.

 

Did a quick Google Image search and found it here: http://www.tinmantailgatetoolchest.com/index.html

 

Definitely got a return on my investment with my TGR today.. A forklift operator was loading steel into the back of my truck and I was standing in the bed. I feel the truck sinking after the bundle was loaded, look down and see the fork pushing down hard on the tailgate. Def would have bent without the extra protection.

Still straight as an arrow

 

Hey guys, just wanted to post up and let you all know we've got another batch of reinforcements coming up. For the 05-15 guys I've got 5 bare steel and 5 bare aluminum available for immediate shipping, and as soon as the powder coaters return my batch I sent them I'll have about 6 more of each in stock powder coated as well. 1 bare aluminum 1st gen plate on hand too.

I have 2 aluminum powder coated left from my last batch ready for shipping right now as well!

Our upcoming Thanksgiving sale will have these included so it'd be a great time to buy if you've been eyeing them!

 

How do the aluminum hold up vs the steel? my tailgate is starting to bend (from my dirt bike being on it) and I'm trying to decide which to get to stop the bleeding?

 

aluminum is great for 90% of the people out there, however if you already have an issue you'll need to get the tailgate as straight as possible and then install a reinforcement. I'd probably recommend the steel since your tailgate is already compromised

 

It's not terrible. But I'll err on the side of caution and get the steel. Do you have any powdercoated ones in stock? I live near Sacramento so I'll drive out to get one.

 

No PC at the moment though I've had a batch at the coater for a few current orders with some extras for stock. Just waiting on them, I think they should be done next week.
Shipping is going to be cheaper than driving up, unless you're already headed up to Tahoe for some boarding or something.

 

That was exactly the plan. Skiing next week. Also heading up that way to get a Christmas tree this weekend.

What would shipping be to 95961 for curiosity's sake?

 

Looks like my site quotes $23.20

 

Ordered mine on the weekend. Got it Tuesday, installed it Wednesday. Great product and great customer service!

 

Sub'd