It’s 4pm on Thursday, I’m sitting in a rather comfortable chair getting a good ol’ fashion haircut. A two on the sides and a slight trim on the top. After going through 4 barbers in the last 6 months I’ve finally found a good one ( his name’s Paul, and since he’s good he’s rather busy but if you’re willing to wait and need a haircut done right - he’s your guy. Contact me for his info).
About halfway through we get on the subject of what I do and I mention I co own a body shop. He lights up and says his new Dodge Ram was recently damaged while it was being serviced and asks if I can take a look. I’d love to I reply. He’s gotten a few estimates done already but another look never hurts.
After my excellent cut we head outside (much to the dismay of the next customer waiting for his). It’s a solid dent on the top right portion of the tailgate. I look at it from a few angles, take some pictures and a HD video. Then I step back and take a look at the gaps, they look off. I pull out my handy iPhone to get a better measurement - they’re off. I go to the drivers side and look at the tailgate from the side - its flush. I go to the passenger’s side and look from the side - not flush, the tailgate is sticking out. There is clearly more damage than just the dent. The whole tailgate needs to be replaced.
I let Paul know and he says the other places just addressed the dent and didn’t take the time or care to see if it caused the whole tailgate to be moved.
Time for a little education - vehicles nowadays are meant to absorb damage. When the vehicle is dented the force of the hit transfers into the vehicle and there is a high chance that it knocks that part off it’s position.
Especially with tailgates. With such a high incident location as a tailgate it’s a wonder that the other shops missed it. But hey, I had to go through 3 other barbers before I found Paul and he had to go through 3 other shops before he found me. Take it from us, go to Paul for an excellent men’s haircut and to RTI for thorough collision repair.
- Eddie
The Dent
Drivers Side Tailgate - Gap is wider
Passengers Side Tailgate - Gap is narrower