How to straighten a bent tailgate?

[PNW_LJ]

I’m looking to straighten my tailgate in preparation for a tailgate skin install. The pics show how it’s bent in the lower left corner (one of the few things the POs messed up on an otherwise stock rig). I assume it’s from hitting an object while closing.

Any suggestions on how to save this example before I go mess it up further? Ignore the angle of the license plate frame, it’s gotta go either way.

 

[P man]

Grab a 2x4 and put it between the tailgate and the tub and use your pork to push against the areas that need to move. You will be surprised how much you can move things around with just body weight

 

[PNW_LJ]

Grab a 2x4 and put it between the tailgate and the tub and use your pork to push against the areas that need to move. You will be surprised how much you can move things around with just body weight

I was thinking something similar. I’m trying to imagine along which axis I should be aiming to bend across?

 

[P man]

I was thinking something similar. I’m trying to imagine along which axis I should be aiming to bend across?

View attachment 515215

So the top looks fine its the bottom corner that is out...so brace the top corner by the handle and push on the lower part. It will take you multiple tries don't try to do it in one shot.

 

[LONGJP2]

I’m looking to straighten my tailgate in preparation for a tailgate skin install. The pics show how it’s bent in the lower left corner

IMO, the bottom could be out or the the top could be leaning in.
Have you put a level on it?

 

[PNW_LJ]

Grab a 2x4 and put it between the tailgate and the tub and use your pork to push against the areas that need to move. You will be surprised how much you can move things around with just body weight

Well that didn’t work:

Heated the metal up with a torch, and put my full body weight into it, but no gains. And I managed to put a new scratch into the tailgate in the process. Perfect. Should’ve triple checked the wood before starting.

I could try again with a buddy, double the power. Not sure that’s the right move though.

IMO, the bottom could be out or the the top could be leaning in.
Have you put a level on it?

Lower left corner bent in.

Vertical center bent in, not sure what that’s all about.

 

[LONGJP2]

So,

Lower left corner bent in.

So, it changed from lower left bent out to bent in?

 

[PNW_LJ]

So, it changed from lower left bent out to bent in?

no, I am pretty sure it’s still bent out.

I also just noticed that when latched, I can push in the tailgate enough to make it sit flat.

Thinking of removing the tailgate entirely to better see the bend.