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Get To Know About Your Vehicle's Taigate

What Is Tailgate?

A tailgate or a latch would be a hinged board or door at the rear of the automobile which would be moved up or down during the process of loading as well as unloading. It is also called as tailboard, it would be generally found in pickup trucks or hatchback vehicles.

 

The tailgate panel of the truck would consist of an inner and outer glass fiber composite panel which would be bonded together, along with a toughened as well as heated window glass which would be attached to the outer surface. There would be a striker pin at each rear corner of the truck tailgate which would engage with a spring-loaded latch plate on the body, with a single release cable which would work both the latches as well as terminating in release handle on the driver's side of the cabin rear bulkhead.

 

There would be a bed and a tailgate mounted on a multipurpose pickup tailgate. One of its parts is a first panel member. The first panel member would be mounted by the structure at the bed of the truck by sliding it. There would be an extension of the first panel member when the tailgate would start opening. Now at the free end of the first panel member, there would be a second panel member which would be coupled with it. Now when the talk about the third panel member, then it would be coupled with the free end of the second panel member. The first panel member would be pivoted by the assembly on the sliding mounting structure.

 

It is the first panel member, along with the second panel member and the third panel member, which can be positioned in a lot of angles at the opened tailgate, suited for a lot of uses. The pickup tailgate would be strategically assembled for durability as well as lot more purposes.

Types Of Tailgate

Are you searching for the different types of tailgate? Then don’t worry! All you have to do is to have a look below and then all your doubts regarding its types would be cleared.

Important Features Of Tailgate

Do you want to know the essential features of tailgate? Then you have arrived at the right place. Have a look below to know the important features of tailgate:

 

  1. Retractable Design - Now if you would rely on your truck for work associated purposes, then you would have to use the bed a lot for tools as well as equipment. This equipment can be easily got out of bed when it would have retractable tailgate steps which would be attached to it. Now when you will be ready to utilize these steps, then the release mechanism should be simply activated and then they would quickly lower to the ground. After that you could easily get in your bed and then you can get the supplies. Now once you would be finished, then the steps should be simply folded back up.
  2. Powder-Coated Finish - Now if you would invest a lot of your hard-earned money into this automotive part, then you would surely wish that it should last as long as possible. The step of the tailgate can last if it would have powder-coated finish which would be applied to it. This finish would then make the steps weatherproof. Now if snow, rain, dirt or some other elements would come in contact with your steps, then they would retain their structural integrity as well as aesthetics. Then there is no need to worry about restoring these steps. Now as long as they would be utilized correctly, then they would hold up for years to come.
  3. LED Lighting - There would be a lot of times when you would require reaching your truck's bed at night. If you would do so, then it would be very dangerous unless you would have correct lighting. That is the reason why you should invest in a tailgate step which would have light-emitting diode (LED) lighting which would be incorporated into its design. Now as soon as it would get dark, then you would activate the step's LED lights and then you should see exactly where you would be stepping. These LED lights will work for a long period of time. They would be very energy-efficient, so there is no need to worry about running through their battery very quickly. The LED lights would be very cool to the touch. Now if your legs would get too close to them, and then when you would walk up to the steps, then you would not get burned.

Tools Needed For Tailgate

Are you thinking of repairing your Tailgate on your own? Then there is one thing which you must have, that is the right tools needed for repairing your Tailgate. It is essential to make sure that you are outfitted with the right tools to get the work done properly. Have a look at some tools which you might need to get started with your repair work: -


  • Hammer
  • Dust mask
  • Disc sander
  • Screwdriver
  • Sanding block
  • Compressed air
  • Plastic spreader
  • Panel beating kit
  • Trim removal tool (if necessary)
  • Body filler for galvanized metal
  • 80-grit abrasive sanding discs
  • 80- and 240-grit sanding paper

Top Brands For Tailgate

When it comes to vehicle owner’s choice, the brands really matter a lot. You might pay a premium for a specific car part brand, over time, as it has created a perception of quality, stability as well as trust. There are some leading car parts brands which are more than just products or services as they give rise to memories and emotions related with the quality. So have a look at some top brands for Tailgate.


Dorman/Help Tailgate

Dorman (Oe Solutions) Tailgate

Blue Streak (Hygrade Motor) Tailgate

Various Manufacturers Tailgate

ATP Professional Autoparts Tailgate

Standard/T-Series Tailgate

Related Parts Of Tailgate

It is very important to arm yourself with information before you shop any auto part. We are here to help you dive deep into the names of the Tailgate related parts.

 

How To Change Tailgate?

Do you want to change your tailgate on your own? Then have a look at the steps of changing the tailgate below:

 

Step 1

 

The first and foremost step is the access the damage. It is very important to inspect the complete part first before you would start repairing the truck's tailgate. Both of the panels should be checked as they are very prone to scratches as well as to the paint chips while the panel which would face the truck bed might suffer a lot from the rigors of cargo loading as well as unloading.

 

The hinges should also be checked for corrosion. The best way with which this can be done would be to open as well as close the truck bed door for a lot of time to decide if the hinges would still work in a smooth way. Now if they would be in good shape, there would be no resistance every time you would open as well as shut the gate close.

 

Step 2

 

Then all the dents should be knocked out. Now if there would be a trim which would be on the spot which would be behind the dent or right where the dent would be, then a trim removal tool and screwdriver should be used to take that off. You can always start to avoid the middle of the dent. You should start working from one side instead and then work your way to the other side.

 

Step 3

 

After that the dented surface should be sanded. You should wear a dust mask. You can always get the sander and put 80-grit disc on it. The machine should be kept steady by utilizing your two hands. The sander should be turned on and then you should remove the paint until the affected area plus a couple of inches around it would be back to the bare metal.

 

Step 4

 

After that the filler should be applied. A mixture of hardener and body filler should then be prepared. Just make sure that it should be enough to affect the spot. You should use a plastic spreader so that the filler can be applied evenly onto the dented spot on your tailgate and then even past the edges of the entire dent.

 

Step 5

 

Then you should sand the filled area. Now once the filler would be dried, then you should get the sanding block and then wrap a sheet of 80-grit sandpaper around its surface. The filler should be rubbed by utilizing long, sweeping movements. You should then continue rubbing until and unless you would come up with a flat working surface.

 

Step 6

 

After that some finishing touches should be put in. If the tailgate panel would be now back to its real shape, then the filler should be lightly sand with 240-grit sandpaper. The repaired area would be made ready for painting by this process. Now once it would be repainted, you can always outfit it with the tailgate accessories you would wish to install.

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John Framigllia
Technical Writer
Our technical writer is known for simplifying automotive parts and services. Intuitive with various vehicles and manufacturers, he knows how to simplify complicated problems.