This piece on the top was purchased from JC Whitney for around $20.00. It fit nicely but from the picture in their catalog it showed that it would wrap around the entire bottom of the tail gate. As you can see it only covers the bottom outward portion, leaving the bottom inner portion open. 
I welded the new piece in place and it was shaped pretty much to fit perfectly. Minimal grinding was required to smoothe out the weld. 
I started sanding the old paint and stickers off but it took way to long so I got a couple of cans of spray paint remover. It worked like a charm. Be sure not to spray it anplace you might not want your paint removed. Outside down wind from vehicles. The paint, and sticker began to bubble up within a min. I let is sit for 20 before I scraped the paint off with a putty knife and hosed the remainder off. 
Ok, here is a shot of the tail gate in place with the bottom welded in place and some bondo filling in a few rust holes and rough edges. I have it painted over to prevent further rust but it still needs some more sanding and primer. It turned out ok but needs a little more tlc. |
