tailgate aluminum panel

[penxol]

I've been wanting to take the aluminum panel off my tailgate and tack a piece of steel into place and smooth it out before I do my rattle can paint job.
If anybody who has done this can give me a few pointers and even a few pics if you got them would be great.

 

[CK5]

You just need to remove the tailgate access panel, then with the tailgate down raise the window a bit (you might have to support the glass) until you see the alum panel bolts from inside of the tailgate, I believe there should be 5 of them. From there just unbolt until it falls off your tailgate.

 

[Blue85]

The goal is to delete the panel? Really, all you have to do after you remove the panel is fill in the holes. Welding it up is best, but guys have done it with Bondo before. Over time, the old locations may become visible. Since the holes are only about 1/4", you don't necessarily need filler pieces, you can tack across with the welder, then grind flat.