Tailgate, the good and the bad

I bought a tailgate from a guy in Spring, TX who is making modifications to his 1953 f100. The truck was beautifully painted and well cared for. I feel like I practically stole the tailgate from him, but the price must have been right for him as well. Check out these side-by-side comparisons and you will realize just how much time and work I'm saving.

Oh, and if that weren't enough, I got him to throw in these...

while I'm at it

While tearing out the interior prepping for paint I decided to restore the heater. The heater was one of the accessories that is currently running except there was no real air flow. Fearing the worst of corse (replacement costs alot of $$) after pulling it out I noticed someone had been using the squirrel cage blower as a home. Probably mice and not a squirrel. Also the duct work made a great habitrail.
Notice the disgusting pile of bedding. The bucket is full also.

I took a quick wire brush to the box and coated with some primer and a flat charcoal paint. I'm not sure about the color, might go back with a satin black.