drop the tailgate off at any local body shop and have them repaint it.
Proabbly will cost around $400.
yes thats more than you want to spend, but, itll be dont, correclty, and just done.
Low effort, mangled tailgate scratch repair
1996 Sonoma 70xxx miles
I have 2 - color-matched, but beat-up tailgates. I want to use materials on hand to make one of them look pretty good from 15-20’ away. The chosen tailgate for this project is beyond my ability to return to like new condition. It was bowed out ~2-3”. I removed most of the bow along the top, horizontal edge, but the tailgate is still bowed a little both horizontally and vertically at the R edge. The outer panel is far from “straight”. There is a small amount of rust showing in the panel seems.
Below are some photos of the scratches on this tailgate for reference. Depth varies, but only in a couple very small spots did the scratches go through the primer. There are more scratches than shown in these photos.
![Automotive parking light Automotive tail & brake light Automotive lighting Hood Amber]()
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![Automotive parking light Automotive tail & brake light Automotive lighting Hood Motor vehicle]()
These are my materials on hand. I have no automotive spray equipment.
I want to use up some of the 2K clear aerosol cans, as they are getting old. I would like to limit labor to no more than 3-4 hours total, preferably less. I do not intend to concern myself with the seam rust beyond Fluid Filming inside the gate after painting. I am not spending any more time on straightening the panels or using any significant amount of body filler.
Given my modest requirements for end result, I am considering something like the following. Debadge. Dewax/Degrease. 600grit wet sanding entire outer panel and edges only. Spot spraying with the Martin Senour base any remaining scratches not removed w/ 600 grit. Careful wet sanding to remove all newly-applied base except that within the scratches. Possibly repeat last 2 – steps few times. Shoot the entire outer panel with aerosol 2K clear. Possibly wet sand and buff/polish.
Thoughts?
I have 2 - color-matched, but beat-up tailgates. I want to use materials on hand to make one of them look pretty good from 15-20’ away. The chosen tailgate for this project is beyond my ability to return to like new condition. It was bowed out ~2-3”. I removed most of the bow along the top, horizontal edge, but the tailgate is still bowed a little both horizontally and vertically at the R edge. The outer panel is far from “straight”. There is a small amount of rust showing in the panel seems.
Below are some photos of the scratches on this tailgate for reference. Depth varies, but only in a couple very small spots did the scratches go through the primer. There are more scratches than shown in these photos.
These are my materials on hand. I have no automotive spray equipment.
- 10 – 11.8oz aerosol cans SprayMax 2K clear (urethane)
- ~1.5 - ~12oz aerosol cans 1K Martin Senour base (marginal color match; urethane-like)
- A whole bunch of Dupli-color acrylic lacquer base & clear aerosol cans (very good color match)
- 1 – 13.3 oz aerosol can SprayMax 2K epoxy primer
- <0.5oz Nason Ful-Base® Basecoat (very good color match)
- ~16oz moisture cured urethane rust encapsulator (MasterCoat; old, likely thick)
- MasterCoat reducer.
- Bondo glazing & Spot Putty
- Bondo® Metal Reinforced Filler
- Acetone, mineral spirits, grease & wax remover.
- Phosphoric acid.
- Lots of abrasive and polishing materials and equipment.
I want to use up some of the 2K clear aerosol cans, as they are getting old. I would like to limit labor to no more than 3-4 hours total, preferably less. I do not intend to concern myself with the seam rust beyond Fluid Filming inside the gate after painting. I am not spending any more time on straightening the panels or using any significant amount of body filler.
Given my modest requirements for end result, I am considering something like the following. Debadge. Dewax/Degrease. 600grit wet sanding entire outer panel and edges only. Spot spraying with the Martin Senour base any remaining scratches not removed w/ 600 grit. Careful wet sanding to remove all newly-applied base except that within the scratches. Possibly repeat last 2 – steps few times. Shoot the entire outer panel with aerosol 2K clear. Possibly wet sand and buff/polish.
Thoughts?
