Rockfrog Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 So loading my daughters quad (a 1986 Suzuki LT185 - so fairly small) in and out of the bed and I have noticed an issue with the tailgate. the top portion of the gate is seperating from the main body at the seam. I was thinking of making a plate to tie the two sections together ... similar to a door panel ... I would have it run top to bottom and botled in place with 1/4" riv-nuts (not the cheap home depot kind). it was either that or I use 1/8" flat bar and have "straps welded between the two section and run top to bottom of the gate following the contours inside the tailgate. Think this would work? Lately I have been pulling the tailgate and attaching the ramps to the bumper, but I would like to be able to close the tailgate with the quad in the back for added security without having to pull and reinstall everytime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted February 20, 2014 Share Posted February 20, 2014 that's a new one by me. :dunno: got a pic? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hassyfoto Posted February 21, 2014 Share Posted February 21, 2014 Sounds like the constant flexing on the tailgate from the ramps & weight of the quad is breaking the factory welds. Not sure as photos would help to identify the specific issues. I am willing to bet the tailgate is bowed from side to side and this is causing some of the issues. Placing a large plate over the the entire area will help, but, if the tailgate is bowed and you place metal over the part, the new metal will become bowed as well, as you rivet the metal into place. Hence more weight & flexing will only exacerbate the situation. I have found, working on cars for a living most of my life, you need to identify the current condition or issues, fix the issue which may involve straightening the tailgate and then adding a plate for strength. Just my 2 cents worth! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
92tanMJ Posted February 21, 2014 Share Posted February 21, 2014 that's a new one by me. :dunno: got a pic? x2 Just remember you have to use and external photo hosting sites such as photobucket Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockfrog Posted February 21, 2014 Author Share Posted February 21, 2014 I'll snap one tomorrow in the daylight. And other than the top inner seam seperation ... the tailgate isbstraight as new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
92tanMJ Posted February 22, 2014 Share Posted February 22, 2014 I'll snap one tomorrow in the daylight. And other than the top inner seam separation ... the tailgate is straight as new. Why don't you just weld it then? :dunno: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockfrog Posted February 22, 2014 Author Share Posted February 22, 2014 This isbthebseam I mean. It wasn't welded from the factory ... had seam sealer in it. Started to rust after it seperated. Planning to paint the truck this spring Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted February 22, 2014 Share Posted February 22, 2014 I'd blast it and weld it then call it good. If you wanted to add some support, I'd just add two plates on each side of the handle area, above the dual "pockets" on each side where it is smooth from edge towards middle. That would give the added support to stop the top from being pulled down on each side where the ramps would be resting anyways. No clue if I made any sense, been a long day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
92tanMJ Posted February 22, 2014 Share Posted February 22, 2014 Yeah I wouldn't worry about that. The way you explained it, it looked much different in my head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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