Tailgate Dent

[Cynthia Grant]

My 2003 ST just got it's first real dent in the tailgate. The paint wasn't affected, but a 2" long area looks like it was just pushed in. Since the tailgate exterior is not metal (isn't it fiberglass?), can the dent be pulled out by an auto body shop? Is there anything I need to know before asking someone to fix it?



Thanks for your help!

 

[Gavin Allan]

Paintless Dent Repair?

 

[WXMotorSports DecalsPartsAccs]

Probably can be pulled out by one of those Dent Wizard companies. Most body shops won't touch it because them want to drill, pull the dent, bondo and paint it. More expensive than 100-150.00 from a Dent specific company.

 

[Fred]

I thought the tailgate exterior was metal. ??

 

[WXMotorSports DecalsPartsAccs]

Fred - I didn't catch that. But, yes CindyG the tailgate door is metal the bed is fiberglass.

 

[Todd Z]

If you remove the plastic cover, 4 clips and 4 screws I believe, the inside of the tailgate is almost completely open, you may just be able to pop it out by hand...



Todd Z

 

[Scott Heckler]

I installed the power lock in the gate. It is metal and you might be able to get in behind where the dent is and pop it out by hand as Todd has said. It's easy to open up the gate. I think someone has a project in the project area. It's worth trying it yourself first.



ScoTt

 

[Richard L]

Yes the tailgate is metal, however there is a raised panel that goes along the bottom of the tailgate that is painted plastic. The plastic would break or crack rather than dent, so a dent would mean it's in the metal part of the tailgate and not the plastic trim.



Unless you do body work, or don't care about the looks, take it to one of those "Paintless Dent Repair" places. They can do wonders with most dents like that.



I had a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix that encountered a hail storm. My insurance paid me almost $700 for repairs but my agent recommended that I go to one of these dent removal specialist. I did and it only cost me $400, and he removed all the hail dents, plus he even removed all the minor ripples and stretch marks in the body that were caused when the panels where stamped out at the factory. When he was done it looked like a show car....The body was flawless.



...Rich

 

[CountyMounty]

I was able to take the inside plastic cover off and get to the back side of a small dent I had. I used a combination of a rubber malett and hammer and was able to get it mostly out. There is still a little dent left but you cant notice it if you dont know where to look.

 

[Scott Heckler]

That's good news.