Replace body panels or spot-weld? Tailgate rust.

[snowman74]

Alright ya'll...you've been so helpful, I'll ask another.

Got a little bit of rust problem at the bottom of the tailgate. As I understand it, this is common for older Broncos. The dang thing doesn't close up as tight as it used to anyway...and the electric motor is getting older. Should I just replace the tailgate with aftermarket? Is it possible to find OEM tailgate without sacrificing my monthly salary to obtain? How do I get it back to a tight fit? I'm sure the rubber needs replaced, but even so, It's still got just under a 1/4" play when it's shut. I'm thinking about replacing the spare swing as well. I've got the old style, and I like the ones like I've seen on the nineties models much better. they seem to lock up better too. Will that switch out without modification with my 87'? I can find a newer model swing arm at a local salvage for pretty cheap...or I could order from BGY.

Your input is ALWAYS appreciated! >-

 

[bluesman17]

Aftermarkets are around 250 an oem one is 900 i think or close to that. parts get worn maybe some new latches might tighten it up, if the weatherstripping isnt cracking, ripped or missing i wouldnt bother replacing it. replacing the motor while putting the new one wouldnt hurt anything but i have the mentality of it it aint broke dont fix it. the swing away will fit from a 90s bronco also

 

[Seabronc]

If it isn't real seriously rusted yet, you can get a couple of years out of cutting out the spots and repairing them. I'm with Bluseman on the motor. I just replaced one today that was 23 years old when it finally died.

It's not a fun job. The easiest way is to drop the gate remove the end seals and weather stripping, put the window 1/2 way up/down, which ever way you look at it. Remove the glass by unbolting it from the regulator guides and sliding it out. Unbolt the regulator and move it over to the left side and unbolt the motor, then reverse to put it all back together. Be carefull removing the weather stripping unless you get some new pieces to replace it with. It has a metal center and bends into pretzel shape easily. But then didn't we say earlier, don't fix it if it ain't broke? Then again if you are installing a new tailgate, it wouldn't hurt to replace stuff like that and keep the old motor for an emergency spare. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Good luck,

>-

 

[snowman74]

Thank you both! I think I'll just leave it be for now. $900 for OEM!?!?!?! Yikes! Thanks for the tip on the swing arm. Is there any trick to replacing it?

 

[bluesman17]

If the bolts break (mine where all broken when i got mine and seized in) just drill them out and put a bolt and nut through instead of retapping the thread. You have to remove the pass tailight to put a nut in. Thats the only tip there really is.

 

[snowman74]

Thank you. Oh and by the way ya'll, JBGY has an OEM tailgate shell for $725. Aftermarkets are cheaper...but if I replace it, it will be OEM. Just FYI. >-