Dented my tailgate. Decided to pound it out myself.

[Pryme]

Yeah so I slowly backed my truck into my wood garage shelves with the tailgate down. Just a tap but enough to put a dent in it. How annoying. 
 

I pounded it out best I could. I think it’s good enough. What do you guys think? I did accidentally slip and put a tiny outward one in though. Can only see it in vertical lighting. 
 

would you guys care about this? I’m thinking I’m just gonna call it done. Trucks 3yrs old now and not some fancy thing. 

[Pryme]

The fix. 

[garagerog]

Good to go! 

[ShotgunZ71]

I'd let it ride. Good job, @Pryme!

[CamGTP]

Looks good enough for me. Still makes me wonder why the top of the tailgate is like the weakest spot, can't they make it tougher because I see so many damn trucks on the road with the same style dents. But you see an old beat to hell 80's or 90's truck and the tops of the tailgates look way better still lol.

[Grumpy Bear]

Are you happy with it? That's what matters.

 

I'd bet there is a member or two around here that after seeing your work would let you have a go at theirs. Take pride in you work. Especial at things your not a Pro at or trained to do and you get such a nice result doing.  

[KARNUT]

16 hours ago, Pryme said:

The fix. 

I’m pretty good at touching up and minor body work. But the crease line is tough, good job!

[diyer2]

Thin metal, MPG more important.

[Pryme]

7 hours ago, CamGTP said:

Looks good enough for me. Still makes me wonder why the top of the tailgate is like the weakest spot, can't they make it tougher because I see so many damn trucks on the road with the same style dents. But you see an old beat to hell 80's or 90's truck and the tops of the tailgates look way better still lol.

It’s funny too because I barely tapped it. And it was just a vertical 2x4 stud. At least the plastic top didn’t break 

[Chuck FB]

2 hours ago, Pryme said:

It’s funny too because I barely tapped it. And it was just a vertical 2x4 stud. At least the plastic top didn’t break 

 

I was thinking that had it been an aluminum multi flex tailgate, that would have knocked the whole house off the foundation to have dented it in that much 

 

Obviously I am joking and yes its pretty sad what pickups can't take that they used to easily withstand years ago. I don't know what a replacement one piece steel tailgate would cost and more than likely it would have to be painted rather than bought factory finished, but a multi flex tailgate would so I hear be many thousands to replace the whole thing and it comes only as pieces that have to be assembled and of course all would have to be painted. How stupid things have become price wise. 

[dieselfan1]

I'm a picky fuc**r . Id get a new gate. 

That's just me though. 

If it don't bother you run it.

[SoCal Angler]

The repair looks pretty good.  However, if it bothers you enough, you can always visit a few local body shops and see what they would charge to repair.... as a cash deal. You can also price out a used tailgate that is excellent condition (some people sell theirs when they add tuck campers and never plan on installing the tailgate again).  I would also check cost of new for comparison.

 

I'm kind of a stickler for things, and it being a newer truck, I would probably have it repaired/replaced. But that's just me.

Edited November 23, 2025 by SoCal Angler

[johnnyquick]

If you use it for work I would wrap that part with a logo or phone number 

If you got to a body shop don't let em scan your VIN or that will show up on your Carfax or Autocheck history as damage and devalue your truck.

As stated above a perfect used on can likely be found if you cant live with it, I myself need a dent and ding free as that is all I will see if looking at the truck from now on

[NaturallyAspirated]

Amazing job. Looks great.

 

The way pickup trucks are supposed to look. 

[Pryme]

If it was a new vette or something I would get it repaired but I think I’ll just roll with it. 
now that the main indent is gone your eye doesn’t really go to it anymore. 
it’s not perfect but I won’t be entering the truck into any car shows