Do you have a tailgate on your vehicle that needs to be replaced due to age, damage or cosmetic reasons? Learn how to replace a tailgate from a certified professional in this free automotive video series.
For removing a lot of your wires, most of your fasteners, a door trim tool works great. Learn how to replace a tailgate from a certified professional in this free automotive video.
It's a good idea to have a second person to help hold the tailgate while installing the bolts to prevent dings and scratches. Learn how to replace a tailgate from a certified professional in this free automotive video.
Reroute the wiring harness and plug it back in where it belongs. Learn how to replace a tailgate from a certified professional in this free automotive video.
Install the gate latch handle and window latch after the locks, latches and inner gate mechanisms. Learn how to replace a tailgate from a certified professional in this free automotive video.
Insert the lock cylinder into the gate using the spring clip to lock it and to secure it into position. Learn how to replace a tailgate from a certified professional in this free automotive video.
Remove the weather strip off the old gate and re-install it on the new gate. Learn how to replace a tailgate from a certified professional in this free automotive video.
In order to install the last two bolts on the tensioner, first install the bolts on the left side of the gate. Learn how to replace a tailgate from a certified professional in this free automotive video.
Replace any of the trim panel clips that may have been damaged and not functioning. Learn how to replace a tailgate from a certified professional in this free automotive video.
Where your quarter inch air ratchet won't fit, it's nice to always have a ratcheting set of box wrenches for removing hinge bolts. Learn how to replace a tailgate from a certified professional in this free automotive video.
A door trim panel tool is the easiest tool to use when removing a trim panel. Learn how to replace a tailgate from a certified professional in this free automotive video.
Before removing the lift gate have a part stand to set it on so the part center and the inside won't fall out. Learn how to replace a tailgate from a certified professional in this free automotive video.
Before removing the hinge bolts, remove the spring tensioner on the lift gate. Learn how to replace a tailgate from a certified professional in this free automotive video.
When you take a vehicle apart, it's a good time to examine all the parts on the inside and make sure they aren't damaged. Learn how to replace a tailgate from a certified professional in this free automotive video.
Set the spaces from left to right so it fits properly. Learn how to replace a tailgate from a certified professional in this free automotive video.
Put tape on the bottom of the gate to protect it so it doesn't get scratched when using a ratcheting wrench. Learn how to replace a tailgate from a certified professional in this free automotive video.
Summary: The automobile—a vehicle that means so much to so many—is a complex system of machines built on the designs and ideas of men and women who are long gone from this world, but whose names live on: Ford, Chevrolet, and Bugatti. And while we’ve enjoyed traveling the backroads of childhood, the streets of adolescence, and the highways of adulthood, the car has remained a reliable means of transportation, as well as an icon that embodies the hopes and dreams of reaching exciting new destinations at top speed, in style, and with speakers blaring. Perhaps we will have flying cars one day; for now, we have the access to reach across the continent, and the freedom to choose which corner to explore first.
At some point in your life, your vehicle may be rear-ended. It is a good idea to know how to replace the tailgate of your vehicle. In this free automotive video series, a certified professional will show you how to replace a tailgate. From removing the old tailgate and components to re-installing the wiper motor and trip panel, you'll get the tips you need to get the job done.
Contact: collexcollision.com
Expert: Robert Thayer is a technician at Collex Collision Experts in Clinton Township, Michigan. Rob has 15 years of experience in auto body repair and is I-Car Platinum and ASE Certified. Collex Collision Experts was started in 1975 as a single shop operation in Warren, Michigan. Since then the company has grown into 11 shop locations in the Metro-Detroit area and 3 shop locations in Southwest Florida. Our success comes from quality repairs and excellent customer service. Last year over 98.5% of our customers said they would refer us to a family member or friend. We work with all insurance companies and with all makes and models of vehicles. For more information on Collex or any questions about collision repair contact Michael Molloy at (586) 493-1213.