Aluminum tailgate

[85_Ranger4x4]

Aluminum isn't the greatest for body panels on a truck IMO. If the hood on my '150 ever gets hailed it is getting replaced with a fiberglass hood... and it won't be a direct replacement.

Another perk with aluminum, is if you have a problem with paint... you replace the part. My mom's '02 Explorer is doing a wierd thing on the hood, the prep to fix it and repaint the bad section is more $$ than painting a new hood.

 

[craveman85]

my 04 edge hood is steel. unless my magnet lies to me.

 

[LHP]

My '02 has a steel tailgate and a composite hood top. the frame is steel.

 

[superds]

You guys knew it was coming........

 

[craveman85]

id like to find some aluminum parts for my truck. would be real nice to drop the weight down a bit. i seem to have trouble taking weight out of the drivers seat so i guess the truck will have to sacrifice. anyone seen fiberglass/aluminum parts for 93-97

 

[LIMA BEAN]

Aluminum isn't the greatest for body panels on a truck IMO. If the hood on my '150 ever gets hailed it is getting replaced with a fiberglass hood... and it won't be a direct replacement.

Another perk with aluminum, is if you have a problem with paint... you replace the part. My mom's '02 Explorer is doing a wierd thing on the hood, the prep to fix it and repaint the bad section is more $$ than painting a new hood.

Use Kleenstrip metal etching prep or self etching primer,I been doing that for 30 years on non-ferrous metals.

 

[bogart219]

Sorry for the delay. I did the magnet test and the magnet stuck, so it must be steel. Never seen steel like this. The guy I brought it off of told me it was aluminum. I don't think he lied to me, that might be what he was told. Is there such a thing as aluminized steel or coating. IF you need more picks let me know.
Thanks!

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[Iron Ranger]

They do make an aluminized coating for exhaust and such, and zinc coating for steel, but I highly doubt any of those things would be used on a tailgate, OEM or aftermarket.

The processes for paint , prep, and steel have advanced a lot through the years. Maybe it's a factory corrosion inhibitor?