An Idea for Strengthening the Tailgate
(1) Cut a piece of angle iron or an old bed frame about 3' long.
(2) Cut a hardwood or MDF strip about 3 inches wide, 3 feet long, and 3/8" thick.
(3) Bolt or screw the angle iron to the inner edge of the tailgate with the hardwood strip underneath it.
Three or four heavy duty #10 or #12 sheet metal screws might be all you need to secure the wood strip underneath the angle iron. The hardwood strip would extend beyond the angle iron and tuck underneath the tailgate liner.
All you have to do is make sure the assembly doesn't bind when you close the tailgate. That's why the wood strip cannot be thicker than 3/8". It can be wedge-shaped somewhat to provide a good fit. Paint it all black prior to installation.
Just an idea. That would be so strong you could stand on it. I'll try it and post pics if successful.
You guys are all making me feel better. I have an idea about using a simple custom-made part approach to stiffen the tailgate and flatten it.
(1) Cut a piece of angle iron or an old bed frame about 3' long.
(2) Cut a hardwood or MDF strip about 3 inches wide, 3 feet long, and 3/8" thick.
(3) Bolt or screw the angle iron to the inner edge of the tailgate with the hardwood strip underneath it.
Three or four heavy duty #10 or #12 sheet metal screws might be all you need to secure the wood strip underneath the angle iron. The hardwood strip would extend beyond the angle iron and tuck underneath the tailgate liner.
All you have to do is make sure the assembly doesn't bind when you close the tailgate. That's why the wood strip cannot be thicker than 3/8". It can be wedge-shaped somewhat to provide a good fit. Paint it all black prior to installation.
Just an idea. That would be so strong you could stand on it. I'll try it and post pics if successful.
