Fiberglass tailgates

[WKDDOUGSTAR]

Hello lads and lasses how are we all this evening.I was talking to a fellow t25 owner the other day about the rust at the bottom of my tailgate and he said you can get fiberglass tailgates now?is this true?sounds a great idea. Have anyone came across or own one of these ?cheaper than buying a tailgate rust free ?I need one and what are your views ?cheers all

[R0B]

I do know,you cannot put a bike rack on them.

[WKDDOUGSTAR]

I do know,you cannot put a bike rack on them.

Personal experience ??lol
I don't own a bike so all good.I do have the stronger tailgate door lifter on it mind you.(the ones that take your jaw off everytime you open and forget you fitted them.
So they are not just a myth then. Mmm I need one in my life. Lol

[jason k]

From what I've heard they aren't very good!

[kevtherev]

That's why you don't see many fitted.
Plenty of rust free tailgates at Busfest last year.

[Mocki]

I looked at them, but they are expensive and I'm not convinced they are particularly good , and no dfinately not strong enough for a bike rack or ladder

[Wychall]

I spent quite a while at a recent show trying to get the rear screen to seal in a fibreglass tailgate. The aperture was actually too large. Whilst doing it I was surprised at the poor continuity from the roof to the tailgate, it sat too high and would surely lead to wind whistle. All in all, I'm glad it wasn't my van.
Make sure you inspect one before buying, and not the manufacturers demo model either.

[Mr Bean]

The one you have fitted now is probably the best fit you will achieve baring in mind the variability in aftermarket solutions or used parts. Depending how far it is gone an in-situ repair could be best overall. Whether professional (or skilled amateur) welding, glass matting or glass loaded filler etc, your longer term challenge will be killing and proofing rust at all stages of the process. It probably started with blocked drainage in the first place so this must be attended to. Least-ways this way you can check it still fits at every stage. Call me a bodger if you like but I go with utiliity every time.
Cheers
CS