I did this to myself...but please help!

Simplest and probably cheapest way other than leaving it as is would be to get a Dakine tailgate pad. The kind used to transporting bikes. Put it on and leave it.
You are here in OR. No one will question it and the tree huggers might think that you at least try to be environmentally conscious.

 

I had very similar damage done to my tailgate (but it was done to me, not by me!). Toyota body shop said they just replace them. They painted it to match and put a new plastic cap on it. They swap out your old lock mechanism / backup camera and put it on the new tailgate. It was right at $1,800 but the offending party's insurance paid for it.

 

Tailgate net.

#micdrop

 

Make lemonade, improve it without fixing it.
Need a protector


https://gr1performance.com/product/...a-tacoma-tailgate-applique-cover-satin-black/

 

You could get one of these but then you'd need to get the mountain bike and roof top tent to complete the look.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/show-off-your-tailgate-pad-on-truck.576410/

 

Paint is cracked and metal creased. Paintless Dent Removal will not really work. Take to a body shop and consider it a donation to somebody’s retirement fund.

 

At least share the story on how you managed to do it. We could use some entertainment around here.

 

Any damage from the cab back is just a battle scar

 

Looks like a truck. Go with it.

 

The cheapest way would be to buy a diy dent repair kit and give it a whirl. Or reach out to a paint less dent repair shop

 

He doesn't want to live with it, hence the post.

Check a body shop first and see if they can work it out. If not used on Facebook, copart or this site

 

That does not look too bad. I would just get a quote from a body shop or two befor doing anything. You could even leave the gate with them to repair while driving the truck.

My guestamate, not knowing local rates..

3 hour repars. 2 hours partial base coat with 1 hour of full clear. See if the can reuse the top molding or replace for $100 is ballpark cost. Remove handle with access to it and R&I gate probably another hour. You can find emblems online, I think one around 75. Plus corrosion protection and epa.

Figure about 4-5 hour body labor-say 50 per hour= 250
Paint 3 hours paint plus paint and materials another $150
Emblems and molding $175
EPA and corrosion about $25.

Rough guess $600

 

I was being environmentally friendly by recycling an old treadmill to keep up with the Oregonian stereotype of running and environment freaks, but the treadmill bounced back when it dropped and whacked the tailgate. The damage is just to the tailgate luckily, but still a costly mistake...

Thanks again, y'all.

 

Nada. Just the tailgate, luckily.

 

Honestly man. It happens to everyone at some point. Truth is, two weeks from now it will hurt less. Search craigslist and marketplace and one will pop up. The pain will go away but live with it for a few weeks until you find a deal.

 

Yeah but nobody is really asking the right question...are you really a hero?

 

My long lost cousin! Where you been, man?

 

Out damaging truck beds obviously

 

Can't judge you for that. Hope ya get it fixed up without costing an arm and a leg