Best Way To Repair Tailgate Cracks Common To K5 Blazers & GMC Jimmys

[Bohemian]

So I'm looking for the best way to fix the common tailgate cracks that are unique to the K5 Blazer's & GMC Jimmy's with tailgate windows.

Preferably from those who have actually done it personally or paid someone to do it and has a good unerstanding of what steps were actually taken.

Pictures of inside & outside would be appreciated if available.

I'd also be interested in hearing what causes them to begin with. If anybody has ever figured that out.

I have a 82 K5 Blazer.

thanks in advance.

 

[Scribbles]

I’m following this! I’m figuring it’ll be weld it up, grind it down but who knows.

 

[diesel4me]

The cracks are caused by a combination of stress,the high tensile strength steel used,and too thin a gauge metal where it needed to be thicker in my opinion..
Welding the cracks up and grinding the welds back down will probably only make a temporary repair..more metal on the back side would likely help a lot,if it can be reached..

 

[ChrisPerry]

Sorry no pics, but on my buddies Blazer, we plug welded a piece of sheet metal on the back side. Then stitch welded the crack to the backing plate. Held up until he sold it 2 years later.

 

[rampage]

You need to drill a hole at the end of the crack to keep it from spreading before you weld.