Dented Tailgate

A concrete ledge snuck up on me and dented my tailgate. I’m looking for advice on getting this repaired.

The dent puller I talked to told me this is the worst place on the whole truck for body damage. He couldn’t help and suggested the tailgate sheet metal needs to be replaced (??).

The body shop at the dealership quoted me about $950 to pull the dent out, fill in the crease, sand, paint, etc.

A different body shop in my area quoted me $800 for the same work.

Both said it would be almost good as new and “probably not” noticeable.

I have no experience getting body work done so just wondering if there is a consensus on how I should handle or any advice at all. My goal here is to have the tailgate looking new. Truck is only a few month old.

 

I'd get a used tailgate and get it painted. You might even get lucky and find one the right color already. Check www.car-part.com for one.

 

Yeah, you are not PDR'ing that dent. too sharp, and multiple bodylines. Repair, or better... replace. Ski

 

Agree.
The alternative - if the tailgate still functions properly, live with it as-is.
I did something similar only it took out the clear cover over the taillight and buckled the sheet metal above the taillight. I plan to replace the taillights with some after-market lights and NOT fix the sheet metal.
The first oops is always the hardest one to live with.

 

Ya bummer man - i know it wont make you feel any better but your not alone haha! I did mine 2 months after I got it in the bush backing up early morning after unloading tools and saw and forgot to close the gate and backed into a tree. Its still there 8 years later as a badge of honour !

 

You are wise to fix it! You are going to pay for it now or later, might as well fix your shiny new truck and enjoy it. Even if it's not 100% perfect, you and others may never notice.

 

Or google it, make, model, year, and color.
maybe something will pop up on e-bay

 

you got 2 estimates and now what itis going to cost, get it fixed or just keep driving it, life is hard

 

If the damage doesn't prevent it from opening and closing, it's fine. It's a pickup truck.

 

Batlescar. Tell a better story next time....

 

if tailgate theft is a problem in your area, leave it as a theft preventative.

 

Valid point!
OP could make some sort of sticker “WARNING: equipped with tailgate theft prevention device”

 

I had similar damage to my 19 tailgate when a lady backed into me with my tailgate down. It cost $1,800 to replace and paint. The Toyota body shop said they didn't repair them, only replaced.

PS: this was pre pandemic costs.

 

While it's not gonna be PDR, any confident shop can pull, hammer, and dolley that out with minimal filler. I grew up around the body shop (before everyone became parts changers) and have seen worse than that repaired and looked like it was never hit. The higher quote is probably more in line with what has gotta be done.

 

Sue the concrete ledge into oblivion. The nerve… sneaking up on you! Make it pay!

 

https://wilcooffroad.com/products/v...nFf6dlvjnD6eQotcwXxKcwRQ5E2lNYKL2ayUQJcAaNEu-

 

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help the op to move on

 

I feel your pain just had a tree fall on mine 2 weeks ago took it to 3 different shops they all told me the same thing wouldn’t touch it no PDR or any kind of repair total replacement. They said just make the claim since it would need a totally new tail gate. Insurance adjuster wrote up the damage at $2800.