Asked on Nov 17, 2015

Ideas for an old tailgate

AKP
by AKP
After picking up an old tailgate off the side of the road, I am trying to decide what to do with it. It is old, a little rusty and has some dents. I have seen them made into benches. Any ideas? What kind of paint to use, just spray paint? How to remove the dents? SHOULD the dents be removed? Any ideas/suggestions are appreciated. I don't have a lot of free time and I refuse to put a lot of money into it. Not into contemporary anything. It is a Chevrolet, which may cause heated controversy, but I want to keep that part!
  14 answers
  • Lagree Wyndham Lagree Wyndham on Nov 17, 2015
    Great wall hanging for a man cave or game room or outdoor kitchen. I'd hang it in my garage/party room.
    • AKP AKP on Nov 17, 2015
      @Lagree Wyndham Thanks for the input! I posted a photo below.
  • UpState UpState on Nov 17, 2015
    If you have a deck...just hang it from bungee cords...and hang birdfeeders from the bottom...just 'hose-wash'....keep the 'natural' dents & scratches....great find !!!
    • AKP AKP on Nov 17, 2015
      @UpState No deck, but thanks for the input on keeping the dents and scratches.
  • Tracy Hudson Tracy Hudson on Nov 17, 2015
    how about a bench...pinterest has several different ideas
    • AKP AKP on Nov 17, 2015
      @Tracy Hudson Bench is what I originally thought - we have an awesome BBQ place in our neighborhood that has benches made from tailgates. Love that look.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Nov 17, 2015
    It sounds like an amazing piece. I would leave the dents and rust alone as it will add more interest to the finished product.There are many options for you to choose,bench, coffee table, out-door art. Before you paint the piece make sure it is totally clean then spray paint it with rust-ol-elum.
    • See 1 previous
    • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Nov 17, 2015
      @AKP welcome please post pic when it is complete.
  • AKP AKP on Nov 17, 2015
    Not an answer, just wanted to add the photo. Missed that the first time around. So I got out on the busy highway during rush hour during a driving rain and lugged this thing into the minivan. That, my friend, is dedication to DIY decor.
  • SallyDavis SallyDavis on Nov 18, 2015
    I saw one that was mounted on a wall in such a way that it was used a drop-down desk. When folded up you could see the Chevy logo.
    • AKP AKP on Nov 18, 2015
      @SallyDavis That is an interesting idea - would have never thought of that! Thank you!
  • Suzanne Lee Suzanne Lee on Nov 18, 2015
    Love the tailgate. Someone's loss is your gain. Can't believe it was a throwaway. Don't paint, just clean and seal no matter how you use it.
    • AKP AKP on Nov 18, 2015
      @Suzanne Lee Yes, the overall consensus seems to be - don't paint it!
  • AKP AKP on Nov 18, 2015
    Gathered several great ideas, number one being don't paint it!
  • Cbm2022105 Cbm2022105 on Nov 18, 2015
    A friend said her dad made a rustic bench and used the tailgate to make the back of the bench. Clever!
  • Penny Penny on Nov 18, 2015
    I would clean it, seal it and use as a headboard for a boy or car lover, or almost anyone who likes things different.
  • UpState UpState on Nov 19, 2015
    How does one clean out the bugs & oil & dirt from the inside of the gate - especially if it's going to be brought into the hose ? ? (No doubt there's some of that stuff festering inside of it )
  • Penny Penny on Nov 20, 2015
    You could take it to a mechanic and have it steam cleaned for about 10.00 (canadian) it should look real clean after that, or spray with bug spray and wait a couple of hours and then scrub with a good degreaser.
    • AKP AKP on Nov 20, 2015
      @Penmur77 Not concerned about bugs at all. Not sure why that was thrown in there by UpState. It wasn't on the side of the road too long, it is coming on winter, it will spend the winter out in the garage in the midwest. Which translates into freezing temps. Not feeling any rain on this parade - totally excited about my find! Thank you for your input!
  • UpState UpState on Nov 21, 2015
    Point taken...good luck with your choice of keeping it outside !!! (could harbor many mysteries inside the gate that you or your family simply may not want inside your home)
  • Penny Penny on Nov 21, 2015
    You're welcome!