How to take off tailgate without scratching bolts

[jaroddf89]

Hey folks. I was nudged on my spare tire by an inattentive driver. It appears the only damage is a small buckle on my tailgate. The paintless dent repair servicer said he would need to take my tailgate off to fix the issue, but it may scratch the painted bolts on the tailgate hinge. Is there any way to avoid scratching these, or an easy way to repaint them?
Thanks!

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[Brian_B]

Touch up paint

Or

Replace them with non-painted bolts so they look uniform

 

[GroovyGeek]

When removing the tailgate be careful about the floating nuts inside. Screw bolts back on as soon as the hinges are released or plan on spending quality time at the tailgate with a coat hanger. For details see threads on the various hinge reinforcement options.

 

[Area51BS]

Layer or two of teflon tape or piece of latex glove wrap bit. May have to tap Torx bit in. The size appears to be a Torx plus 45(verified fit on mine).Perfect tight fit which might make wrap difficult to fit. Or the tight fit could be a benefit. A standard T45 would allow more slop in fitment. Only place I found Torxplus in stock for pick up was Northern tool.

 

[Squatch]

Have you tried taking the spare and tire mount off? I don't see why they would need to remove the tailgate except for their own convenience to put it on a table or something. I'd talk to someone else, because there's people who'll do it in a parking lot.

Is the dent under the hinges?

 

[Buffalo_Rider]

Wedge the tailgate up so pressure is not resting on the bolts (you can use thick cardboard to do so )

once you have the tension off the hinges the bolts come out fairly easy with the right size T driver

don’t use a impact - do it by hand

The only scratches if any will be on the female ridges of the bolt

 

[CalvinT]

I wish your paintless paint repair guy good luck. Make sure he realizes the tailgate is aluminum. Aluminum work hardens each time it's bent.

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