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Shaved tailgate ?

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AndysRedRT

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Ok how hard is it really. here is my first problem...My tailgate is rhino lined on the inside...dont ask why. jsut is. So do u think its even possile to shave my tailgate, considering the bolts to the handle are covered in rhino lining.

And how exactly does the the handle relocator kit work? do i need to cut anything out, or is it just mount on the inside of tailgate and bolt in?

And whats the best way to smooth the entire tailgate....Get a skin, or just bondo the thing in? or any other ideas.....or just leave the tailgate with the body lines in.
 
#2 ·
you should still be able to shave your tail gate. I have never done this nor am 100% sure but you cut were the screws are anyway so it should matter. In the kit if i am not mistaking their a templete in side and you trace then you cut were you have traced
 
#3 ·
yes its still possible, you just need to cut or sand the lining off of the screws and then unbolt the screws. then take out the handle and weld the hole on the out side shut. Next you will need to cut a hole on the inside of the gate for the relocated plate. The only thing different with this on you gate since its lined, it will be harder to get the 3 bolts out.
 
#4 ·
its actually pretty easy to cut the rhino liner off of the bolt heads. Mine were like that and i just took a razor blade and cut around them neatly and peeled and picked it all off.
 
#5 ·
The tough part is welding up the hole on the outside without warping the original skin. This would be a good application for using adhesive instead of welding.
 
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#6 ·
Yeah my last one got warped a little bit ....this one if you look closley you can see the outline of the filler plate.. :jester:

and you should be able to do it.. the kit i used on the last truck (this one was already done when i bought it) had you cut the inside of the tailgate for the relocator plate....it was prettty simple to do ...the hard part is sated above about makign sure you don't warp the tailgate when welding in the filler plate
 
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#7 ·
yeah, like everyone else has said its not too bad except for the filler plate on the outside.

i did mine when someone backed into me and i had to get some bodywork done anyways. in the right light you can see the outline of the filler plater like dakotalivlrg, but barely. for mine, an actual good portion of the middle of the inside of the tailgate was cut out so you can reach everything inside. then a plate was bolted up, then the handle was mounted to it.

i'd do it, nothing beats a shaven ass. :jester:

Image
 
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#8 ·
dakotadriver360 said:
yeah, like everyone else has said its not too bad except for the filler plate on the outside.

i did mine when someone backed into me and i had to get some bodywork done anyways. in the right light you can see the outline of the filler plater like dakotalivlrg, but barely. for mine, an actual good portion of the middle of the inside of the tailgate was cut out so you can reach everything inside. then a plate was bolted up, then the handle was mounted to it.

i'd do it, nothing beats a shaven ass. :jester:

Image
Click to expand...

yeah i didn't notice mine untill I was at Mopars at the Strip sitting eye level to it and off to the side of it ...:jester: so you can barely see it ..
 
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Discussion starter · #10 ·
Ya, i just ordered my tailgate relocator kit, so hopefully in the next few weeks ill get around to doing it, cuz i wanna get my truck repainted by April 6th, so i can take it out on my birthday after sitting for ahalf a year.

Still debating on whether or not to smooth the intire tailgate out, or leave the body lines
 
#11 ·
AndysRedRT said:
Ya, i just ordered my tailgate relocator kit, so hopefully in the next few weeks ill get around to doing it, cuz i wanna get my truck repainted by April 6th, so i can take it out on my birthday after sitting for ahalf a year.

Still debating on whether or not to smooth the intire tailgate out, or leave the body lines
Click to expand...
I would leave the body lines
 
#12 ·
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Discussion starter · #13 ·
ok first step done... I got the handle relocator done....now i need to put the patch peice in...Some people on Custom Dakotas where saying to glue the piece on....with epoxy for metal. I have never htought about using it untill now and it makes sense vs welding.....and then i dont ahve to worry about warping anything.. Waht do you guys think??

And im gonna leave the body lines.
 
#14 ·
AndysRedRT said:
ok first step done... I got the handle relocator done....now i need to put the patch peice in...Some people on Custom Dakotas where saying to glue the piece on....with epoxy for metal. I have never htought about using it untill now and it makes sense vs welding.....and then i dont ahve to worry about warping anything.. Waht do you guys think??

And im gonna leave the body lines.
Click to expand...
personally i would just get it welded, i wouldn't trust glue.
 
#15 ·
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#16 ·
if you don't trust your welding ability, take it to any body shop. ANY body shop should have guys that can wire weld it for you.

if you do it yourself, just tack 4 opposing corners, let it cool. tack 4 more opposite corners, let it cool. repeat until done. that's the hardest part homey. while you're at the bodyfilling... why not french in a plate box as well?

for the THR kit, you basically just cut a hole on the inside of the gate, exactly where your existing handle is... but on the inside instead of the outside. and mount the hole. super easy.
 
#17 ·
69rrbruce said:
The tough part is welding up the hole on the outside without warping the original skin. This would be a good application for using adhesive instead of welding.
Click to expand...
AndysRedRT said:
ok first step done... I got the handle relocator done....now i need to put the patch peice in...Some people on Custom Dakotas where saying to glue the piece on....with epoxy for metal. I have never htought about using it untill now and it makes sense vs welding.....and then i dont ahve to worry about warping anything.. Waht do you guys think??

And im gonna leave the body lines.
Click to expand...
See post #5 quote from me above.
 
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#18 ·
Panel bond is a good choice for shaving the gates on newer trucks. If you prep the surface properly, it'll hold up just as long as welding would. Plus, if you have a good heat gun, you can force dry the adhesive in 15 minutes and be done with it. Just make sure you clamp the patch panel really good, otherwise it will crack.
 
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