Skinning the inside of a pickup tailgate

[javelinadave]

Ok, I have spent an hour plus searching thru old threads looking for the post someone made of their tailgate interior skin. I’m curious what thickness of aluminum they used. Anybody care to help a brother out?

Thanks!
Dave

 

[DrRock]

Hey Dave, I made mine from 16 ga ( .0598", 1.518mm) 304 Stainless steel. If you go with Aluminum, I would go with 8ga Al .1285". Bear in mind you might get some interference in the bottom corners with a thicker material near the hinge as there is a sheet metal feature on the bed that is present. I've attached my 2D drawing for reference, drawing is not complete as I pull data for mfg from the 3D model. If you are interested in a stainless one, I can have my shop make one and drop ship it to you. You would just need M6 screws and 30 rivnuts to complete the install. Price is $160 plus shipping.

Cheers, James

 

[LDowney]

Ok, I have spent an hour plus searching thru old threads looking for the post someone made of their tailgate interior skin. I’m curious what thickness of aluminum they used. Anybody care to help a brother out?

Thanks!
Dave

Hey Dave, I made mine from 16 ga ( .0598", 1.518mm) 304 Stainless steel. If you go with Aluminum, I would go with 8ga Al .1285". Bear in mind you might get some interference in the bottom corners near the hinge as there is a sheet metal feature on the bed that is present. I've attached my 2D drawing for reference, drawing is not complete as I pull data for mfg from the 3D model. If you are interested in a stainless one, I can have my shop make one and drop ship it to you. You would just need M6 screws and 30 rivnuts to complete the install. Price is $160 plus shipping.

Cheers, James

View attachment 4070689

You probably have a great Cruiser and want to keep it in this condition.
Since it is an exterior use ( and getting wet even in the desert), an additional consideration for your review.
Keep in mind that use of aluminum could result in dissimilar metal corrosion (i.e., galvanic corrosion). If aluminum is used, it should be passivated and separated from contact with the steel (even the fasteners).

 

[javelinadave]

You probably have a great Cruiser and want to keep it in this condition.
Since it is an exterior use ( and getting wet even in the desert), an additional consideration for your review.
Keep in mind that use of aluminum could result in dissimilar metal corrosion (i.e., galvanic corrosion). If aluminum is used, it should be passivated and separated from contact with the steel (even the fasteners).

Agreed. Stainless is the new plan.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

You probably have a great Cruiser and want to keep it in this condition.
Since it is an exterior use ( and getting wet even in the desert), an additional consideration for your review.
Keep in mind that use of aluminum could result in dissimilar metal corrosion (i.e., galvanic corrosion). If aluminum is used, it should be passivated and separated from contact with the steel (even the fasteners).

Words I had to Google …..
1) Galvanic Corrosion
2) Passivated

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Words I had to Google …..
1) Galvanic Corrosion
2) Passivated

and are you now pacified?

 

[LDowney]

Words I had to Google …..
1) Galvanic Corrosion
2) Passivated

I never claim to be a good communicator. Luckily google is available to provide aid in correcting for my short comings.

 

[BigGretch94]

I would love to get a “bridge” like this for the gap between trunk and tailgate. Does anyone know where to get these??