Another tailgate rust thread

[EHNWI]

I have put this off far too long, but there is a rust spot on my tailgate that I dug in to the other day. I will be patching it and painting, but I am wondering, what is this black backer that is against the tailgate? is it some sort of weather protection? Do I need to replace it? Thanks.

EDIT: My bad, I should have searched more. It's sound deadening. Not going to replace it.

 

[AuSeeker]

I have put this off far too long, but there is a rust spot on my tailgate that I dug in to the other day. I will be patching it and painting, but I am wondering, what is this black backer that is against the tailgate? is it some sort of weather protection? Do I need to replace it? Thanks.

EDIT: My bad, I should have searched more. It's sound deadening. Not going to replace it.

It's the consensus of most who have the same rust issues you have is that it's the "black sound deaden" material that has caused the rust by allowing moisture to get trapped between it and the metal, most all of them have removed that material in hopes of not having any more rust holes appearing.

 

[EHNWI]

It's the consensus of most who have the same rust issues you have is that it's the "black sound deaden" material that has caused the rust by allowing moisture to get trapped between it and the metal, most all of them have removed that material in hopes of not having any more rust holes appearing.

That's for sure what it seems like. I should have addressed it sooner. Going to remove it all and fix the spot. Hopefully there isn't any more under all that deadening.

 

[AuSeeker]

That's for sure what it seems like. I should have addressed it sooner. Going to remove it all and fix the spot. Hopefully there isn't any more under all that deadening.

I could be remembering this incorrectly, but I think someone stated that when they removed the sound deadening material that the metal wasn't painted/primed under it, like the material was applied before any paint/primer was sprayed inside of the hatch, if this is indeed true it would explain why they rust like this.

 

[BackOff]

Surprising how much more noise, hissing sound, comes from the tailgate with just the inner plastic cover off.
I wanted to deaden the whole inner tailgate.
Looks like another project in my future. Rust prevention.
Think i will scrape that OEM stuff out, have had that thing open for weeks now.
Been wanting to add some lights to the inside... need to get off my ass.

 

[The G-Man]

I've got this problem right now as well. I don't trust myself with bodywork at all, but curious as to what it would take to fix it. Are you going to fill with like fiberglass/bondo or weld in some new metal?

 

[Bossman]

Rust! liftgate rusted from inside out.

Rear hatch rusting from the inside

Tailgate rust...how much to fix?

Hatch Rust Repair On The Cheap

 

[BackOff]

Gotta love that Bossman linkage, that guy needs some kind of badge of honor!
I pull up 3rd gen stuff most of the time i run the search.

Looking closer at my 09/2003 built T4R... dont think i will mess with it.
Looks like the factory smeared something like what was rubber cement or some something across the top of the 'sound pad'.

One thing i did notice after fooling around back there, 2 rattles.
Pics in orange circle.
Zip tied one, not sure about the line to the rear washer/spray, it needs more room so the window roll down has space.

Also a 5th gen guy noticed you could flip the U shaped part of the latch 180* (at the lower/bed area) and it will pull the tailgate a tad bit tighter/snugger.

 

[MikeinNH67]

Gotta love that Bossman linkage, that guy needs some kind of badge of honor!
I pull up 3rd gen stuff most of the time i run the search.

You can narrow it down by using the "Search this Forum" button that is under the big search button.

 

[EHNWI]

I've got this problem right now as well. I don't trust myself with bodywork at all, but curious as to what it would take to fix it. Are you going to fill with like fiberglass/bondo or weld in some new metal?

I would love to weld in a sheet to cover, but I am going to use a metal mesh and then also fiberglass mat with resin and bondo filler. Easier said than done, but it doesn't look extremely difficult. It should get the job done. If anything, it will be a learning experience. It doesn't have to look perfect for me. The truck has 255k on it.

 

[The G-Man]

I would love to weld in a sheet to cover, but I am going to use a metal mesh and then also fiberglass mat with resin and bondo filler. Easier said than done, but it doesn't look extremely difficult. It should get the job done. If anything, it will be a learning experience. It doesn't have to look perfect for me. The truck has 255k on it.

Yeah this is kind of where I am on this. My truck has 225k and I plan on keeping it for 3-5 years, so how much do I want to sink into it is the issue


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[EHNWI]

Yeah this is kind of where I am on this. My truck has 225k and I plan on keeping it for 3-5 years, so how much do I want to sink into it is the issue


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm with you. I can't afford to jump into something new, so I need to keep this guy around for a few more years at least.