As mentioned in previous thread someone stole the tailgate off my 2008 Silverado 1500 LS. Checked pricing from dealer and for everything it's around $1800 and I can't afford that.
carparts.com offers an aftermarket for $400 including shipping, can have it painted for $375 for a total of $775. It includes handle, bezel, attachment hardware and cables.

Salvage yards for one without dents is $600 and upwards if you can find one the same color.

2 questions that I have:
1) Has anyone bought a tailgate from these folks or an aftermarket and how does it compare to OEM thickness wise. Don't want to order and find out it's coke can thickness.
2) The original did not come with a locking handle. I was told by a few folks that I couldn't add a tailgate that does include locking handle if not OEM equipped. I thought the tailgate was the same just handle being lockable or not.

Thanks