Tailgate sanding??

[elbo989]

Hey, was looking for a little help from some people with autobody knowledge. I just picked up an 08' tailgate for my truck, except it is white not gray. The plan is to prep it myself and then bring it to the local body shop and have them spray it. I was wondering what type of sand paper, or sanding blocks I should use??? Thanks

[Biggusblockus]

I would start with a flexible rubber sanding block and use wet (get a bucket and fill it with water) 240 grit sandpaper. Then go back over it with (wet again) 400 grit sandpaper. Then, one more time with wet 600 grit paper.

Be careful around the edges as it will be real easy to sand clear through them to bare metal. You want to avoid doing that. The use of the flexible block will help prevent creating low spots.

Be patient and take your time. Go real light with the 240 grit. If the tailgate is brand new or looks brand new, then skip the 240 alltogether and use the 400 grit (wet) first, then the 600 grit (Wet).

[elbo989]

Thanks for the help. The tailgate is almost brand new It's off a 2008 that they put a lift gate on. One more thing. Should I just sand the Super Duty stamp by hand, seeing as the block probably won't fit in it? Thanks again for all the help.

[factoryblack181]

yes. take your time on that part. and if you have to, tear the sand paper into small pieces like a 3'' by 3'' square and put something in the middle of it like a small wood block or a nickle and use it as a handle. or fold the small square in on itself to make it easier to grasp.

[Trail_Time]

Originally Posted by elbo989

Thanks for the help. The tailgate is almost brand new It's off a 2008 that they put a lift gate on. One more thing. Should I just sand the Super Duty stamp by hand, seeing as the block probably won't fit in it? Thanks again for all the help.

If the gate is new you do not want to use the 220. Go right to the 400 as suggested. For inside the letters get yourself some red 3M scotch brite pads. They can be used wet or dry.

One more thing: all you want to do is scuff the surface, there is no need to sand thru the layers of paint.