Pole 1, Tailgate 0

[Eventer]

A week ago last Friday, in a blonde moment, I backed my truck into a power pole. I was moving well under 5 mph and left a dent about 2 inches deep and 6 inches across left of center on the tailgate.

I took the tailgate to a local repair shop last Monday to be repaired. Thursday, the shop calls and says the tailgate can't be repaired!

So now instead of just over $500, a new tailgate will set me back over $1,100! #ad


So the question is: What next? Do I run around without a tailgate, bite the bullet for a new tailgate, find a used tailgate (anybody out there with an extra tailgate?), or find one of those tailgates like the people with 5 wheels use (I have a gooseneck)?

I am still kicking myself for a really stupid (and expensive) mistake!

Thanks.



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Lyndon Hendry
Chief Equine Officer (CEO) and
President for Life
Head Over Heels Farm

2001 2500 QC LB ETH/DEE 3. 55RE Patriot Blue
Pop-Up Hitch, Stock engine except for MIA blow-by-bottle

"An oil burner for the hay burners. "

 

[KatDiesel]

I would try to locate a tailgate someone has taken off, to replace with a different one. Prolly be much cheaper and worst case scenrio have to have it painted your truck color... ... but ya might get lucky and find yourr color somewhere. I would try that route... . post on here or the classifieds your looking for one.

Good luck.

 

[Eventer]

Thanks Eric. I will post on the classifieds. I have a 2001. Do you know what years will fit my truck?

 

[RustyJC]

How about the wrecking yards? I'd try one with ties to the national networks. It shouldn't be too hard to find a Ram totalled out due to front end damage.

Rusty


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96 4x2 Driftwood 3500 Club Cab SLT V-10, automatic, 3. 54 axle, trailer & camper groups, all the 96 goodies, factory CD changer, Reese 14K 5ver hitch, B&M auxiliary trans cooler, 205* fan clutch, Smittybilt side step tubes

Towing a 13,500 lb 36' triple slide 2000 Jayco Designer XL 3610RLTS 5th wheel.

Looking for 2001. 5/waiting to order 2002 bright white/tan leather 4x2 Quad Cab 3500 SLT+ Sport ETH/DEE, 4. 10LS axle

2000 Durango SLT+ 5. 9L, bright white/tan leather, all the goodies (wife's ride)

 

[KatDiesel]

Ya you can try wrecking yards too, but the reason I suggested trying to get it from a TDR member is most likely it will be in near perfect condition, and cheaper. #ad

 

[illflem]

Put your old tailgate back on then try pulling out from a goose neck without dropping the gate. I have one that is bent the other direction. Maybe we can trade then make the same mistake twice and the gates will come straight. It costs $300 just for a good paint job, but most of that $1000 price tag is hardware that is still useable from your old tailgate. I ended up buying an after market steel mesh tailgate for $125.

 

[KWentling]

Lyndon: I have a louvered gate with the cutout for a fifth wheel/gooseneck that you can have. I got the atlas out to see where Douglas is. I'm headed south tomorrow morning to visit my folks just outside the big metropolis of Hendley, Nebraska (pop. about 40?) It's on Highway 89 just north and west of Norton, Kansas. That would get it over half way to you. I had it on my '95 but never have had it on my '98. Reason being that you have to operate a latch on both sides to open it-not real handy. Its black and I believe its in good shape. Don't recall the brand. Haven't seen it for quite awhile. I think they may have changed the hinges on the newer model trucks. At most one would have to fabricate new hinge brackets to make it work. I can throw it in if you think you wan't it. I'll check the board before I leave.
Kim Wentling

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'98 12-valve CC 2500 4x4 5-speed,Espar Heater,
Ultimate Bedliner, Turnover Gooseneck Hitch,
Bright-Box, Rancho RS9000
Combo Gage, B-D Engine Brake

 

[Eventer]

Kim,

Thanks for the offer, but I am tied up tomorrow. If I don't have any luck locally, I might get back with you and pay you to ship it to me. Thanks!

------------------
Lyndon Hendry
Chief Equine Officer (CEO) and
President for Life
Head Over Heels Farm

2001 2500 QC LB ETH/DEE 3. 55RE Patriot Blue
Pop-Up Hitch, Stock engine except for MIA blow-by-bottle

"An oil burner for the hay burners. "