pros and cons of cali combo

I am debating if I should get one or just weld the factory tailgate shut. Also are there any tips so it doesnt crack and to make it as sturdy as possible. Thanks JIMMY

I would just go ahead and get a grant combo, it will be less work and look just as good if not better. Just be sure that you brace your bed and you should be fine.

That is a tough question to answer. The way that the bed gets braced is as important that it gets braced. The best that I can say is to look around and see how others have done it.

As for weather or not to use your tailgate or to buy a skin is kinda up to you. I have done it either way will similar results. I can tell you that a skin is a lot easier and lighter, but it also costs more.

just skin your tailgate - thats what i did.

On some trucks, a skin makes more sense because of extra body lines that don't belong- 82-93 Chevy S10, Nissan Hardbody, etc.

On the Ranger (I assume from your profile that's the vehicle in question), it could work better for you to keep the tailgate and just shave the handle out of it. The Ranger 'gate has a slight curve in it from left to right, and if you replace it with a combo it will be flat across the back. It will still look good, but the original curve looks just a bit better in my opinion.

Of course, the combo will save you some bodywork in filling the gap between the tailgate and pan, but it's up to you whether that extra work is worth the gain.

Good luck either way!

Exactly my point ^^^^^

Every vehicle is different and should be addressed as such

yeah that slight curve looks killer. the flatness of the F150's and rangers with their skins and even the roll pans takes alot away from the rear looks of both for me.

sure thing chuck. its awesome when u have a curved tailgate and a rollpan thats flat as a 12 y/o. and u know how much fun that curve is when it comes to doin bodywork back there..lol..

StreetTrucks did a how to on installing a cali combo from Grants not so my issues ago..

I on the other had have a Grants tailgate skin on my F150 and love the look.

(pics in gallery if someone wants to post it)