Reinforcing tailgate surface?

[dsilverline]

Hey folks, first time post-

Has anyone tried reinforcing the tailgate surface? I've got an 84' which I use for work at times (gets rough use) and the middle of the tailgate is just too weak and bends in when kneeling/standing on it. Crap design if you ask me. I don't want to do the truck tailgate/soft-top swap for security (leaving tools in the back). My two ideas are:

1. Six removeable angle iron/square tube cross pieces under the tailgate surface around the access cover (cheaper but stock access plate will still get abused and the crevice around it is annoying)

2. A piece of plate aluminum (maybe 3/16-1/4"?) cut like the pic and covering the stock access cover. (aluminum will be $$ but will work like a tough skid plate)

Thoughts? Other ideas?

 

[Bent77]

Skid plate FTW!!

 

[dsilverline]

Skid plate FTW!!

It does seem like the more bulletproof method!

 

[Bent77]

Use the factory piece as a template and go!

 

[6872xtc]

I vote for the aluminum simply because more weight on these tailgates isn't really what you want when you go to close it.

 

[sweetk30]

You ever loose the assist springs on a blazer or suburban lift gate you will NOT like that .

 

[dsilverline]

The weight is definitely a good thing to consider, I can imagine it would be annoying for sure without the spring!

 

[buffy]

This is what I came up with. Bought HDPE in 1/4” matching orange. Used the factory holes for the access panel. Great work surface.

 

[dsilverline]

Nice idea and that is one very clean truck! That paint is terrific

 

[buffy]

Nice idea and that is one very clean truck! That paint is terrific

Thanks. It’s a family heirloom that we bought new.