Repair or Replace? (4 Viewers)

[Philip J]

Hi all, I'm currently in the market for an LX and found one that checks all the boxes except for this damage on the lower left section of the tailgate. I'd prefer the panel be replaced and not repaired. I'd be interested to hear the forum's thoughts on this.

 

[bloc]

Out of curiosity why the emphasis on replacing vs repair? Either would need to be painted and to me that’s the primary concern with non-original body panels. Smaller issue is moving all the trim over without breaking any tabs or clips.. but again, that would be done either way.

 

[Philip J]

Mostly concerned about long-term viability of a body filler repair. I think the storage compartment is right behind this spot, too.
As far as I can tell, no trim is being removed for the repair. I have some images of the repair in process and it looks like everything is being left in place.

 

[bloc]

I believe there is enough room in the lower split gate to allow that dent and keep the storage in place. Some people remove the stock boxes to significantly increase the storage area.

If they are leaving the lights and trim in place I’d very closely inspect for masking edges in the paint and other defects. Doesn’t seem like the correct way to do that job. If they mess that up it helps your case for a new lower split gate.

But personally? If the rig is great otherwise I wouldn’t let that stand in my way. The damage seems very likely to not be part of a more significant event.

 

[linuxgod]

I wouldn’t fill it, I’d either search for the panel or for a full lower tailgate.

The damage looks to me like someone left something on the bumper and dropped the tailgate on it. Maybe banging it out from the inside would be “good enough” for a while. I suspect bondo and paint will just make a mess that will need to be fixed proper down the road if you keep the truck anyway.

 

[Philip J]

I got some more info. The previous owner backed into a mailbox. The repair looks pretty good from what I can tell.
I also have some images from underneath. Any red flags that I should know about? It's a southern car - we don't get cars that look like this in Ohio!

 

[bloc]

Missing splash shields.. though they could be off for an oil change? Even if they put them back on, there may be a bolt or two missing from the passenger side portion and the center support spine.

Otherwise the undercarriage looks great

 

[Philip J]

Oh interesting. Now I see. Thanks for pointing that out! Besides the one that should cover the oil filter housing, are any others missing? I'm new to this platform, if this were a 4Runner I'd know what I'm looking at lol.

Missing splash shields.. though they could be off for an oil change? Even if they put them back on, there may be a bolt or two missing from the passenger side portion and the center support spine.

Otherwise the undercarriage looks great

 

[bloc]

Oh interesting. Now I see. Thanks for pointing that out! Besides the one that should cover the oil filter housing, are any others missing? I'm new to this platform, if this were a 4Runner I'd know what I'm looking at lol.

There should be another composite one that fills the gap between the current shield and the crossmember that bridges the rear of the lower control arms.

Pics of all of them in this thread:

Stock skid plate / splash guard bolt locations & part numbers

It seems this comes up pretty often, and having just removed my stock skids it was easy to take the picture I had been thinking of for a while. You'll need three part numbers to attach the stock splash guards. 12x M8 large washer bolt, these go into the purple locations on the diagram...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Philip J]

Wow, you guys are good! And fast! Thank you!

Any idea what work the composite one would need to be removed for? Front shocks? Those were replaced. Wondering why it might be missing. The one furthest front I'd guess was not replaced during an oil change. All work has been done at a Lexus dealership.

 

[prharper]

Get a new rear bumper with dual swingouts, like a Slee. That will cover it up.

 

[bloc]

Wow, you guys are good! And fast! Thank you!

Any idea what work the composite one would need to be removed for? Front shocks? Those were replaced. Wondering why it might be missing. The one furthest front I'd guess was not replaced during an oil change. All work has been done at a Lexus dealership.

It probably got left off during an oil change. Shouldn’t need to come off for shocks. There is a small window that can be removed for the drain plug access but oil often ends up on top of the whole guard.. and it’s only a few more bolts so many shops just remove the whole thing.

Edit: I would definitely try to get them as part of the deal but if not they can be sourced on here.. many people remove them for more substantial skid plate systems. The LC parts will bolt on, though not have the sound absorbing material added to LX models.

 

[TheIcemanCometh]

Besides the missing skid the tow hook is also missing on the left (right in the picture). There should be one on both sides. At least the LC has one on both sides.

 

[bloc]

Besides the missing skid the tow hook is also missing on the left (right in the picture). There should be one on both sides. At least the LC has one on both sides.

LX only comes with one.

 

[gasman4u]

I got some more info. The previous owner backed into a mailbox. The repair looks pretty good from what I can tell.
I also have some images from underneath. Any red flags that I should know about? It's a southern car - we don't get cars that look like this in Ohio!

View attachment 3928810

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Did they hammer out the dent and repaint the panel? Or replace the lower tailgate?

 

[tominboise]

Given how clean the underside of that rig is, I wouldn't let the tail gate repair scare me off from that rig. I would want all the underside panels, however.

 

[Philip J]

They filled and repainted.

Did they hammer out the dent and repaint the panel? Or replace the lower tailgate?

 

[gasman4u]

They filled and repainted.

Filled?!?!?

That shocks me. That was quite the volume of filler to scab on the lower tailgate.

The rest of it looked good imo. Keep us posted on what you do.

 

[Philip J]

That was my thought, too. As far as I can tell, it was filled, but they may have pounded it out 1st.

I made the deposit yesterday! Hopefully it ships quickly. I'm going to be sad to see my 4Runner leave the driveway without me, that's for sure.

Filled?!?!?

That shocks me. That was quite the volume of filler to scab on the lower tailgate.

The rest of it looked good imo. Keep us posted on what you do.

 

[Heckraiser]

That's too big of a dent to be properly bondo'd, IMO. If they pushed it out first, that's less of a concern. But either way, not enough to scare me away from an otherwise good rig (and it does look good). But you might find yourself looking for a new tailgate at some point in the future depending on how it holds up. No biggie.