Trying to save a few bucks. Dad saved $400.00 today..... Damn kids

[Scotty]

Last Fall I picked up a Fiero for my 16 year old boy. Loaded it up in the car hauler. Ready to leave when Zac had to get something out of the box of my truck. He left the tailgate down. First sharp corner I took on the way home we heard a big Bang. Tailgate jammed against the trailer jack post. Bent it to a 4" bow. I was pissed off to say the least.

After looking for a used white tailgate for months I finally gave up. $400.00 - $600.00 bucks used.

Today I fixed the problem. 2" x 12" poplar log, slegehammer and about 1 hour of methodicoly banging away at the top lip, I brought it back to new. There was a crease in the outter skin all the way down to the bottom before I started. Its gone. Love saving cash!! No before pics.... but this is how it ended up.

 

[ferniesnow]

Gotta love it when things like that work out!

 

[snopro]

Way to go Dad! Ever thought about starting up a body shop? Looks good.

 

[Scotty]

The tailgate was bent enought to pop off the plastic moulding around the handle. I have to admit I'm a little bit proud of the results. Slow and steady with the sledge hammer. Worked out good. Just need auto body grade adhesive foam to reattach the plastic cap.

 

[Scotty]

Last pic I promise. Just happy how it turned out. The thing was bent way out of shape. It actually closes the way it is suppossed to!

 

[Riverjet]

Built Chevy tough!

 

[Lowlife82]

A fiero!!! Really??? Lol. Nice work on the tailgate though��

 

[JaySimon]

Perhaps it was a sign that the Fiero should have stayed put........

 

[Pistonbroke]

Nice work! I fixed a ford gate like that a long time ago. Used the truck weight on a ramp and some very artistic hammering to coax her back into shape.

If it's beyond fugged, another option is to ask an autobody shop. Aftermarket tailgates can be had brand new for around $250, ready to paint.


Cheers!

 

[Freeride Motocross]

looks good...good work done