Not to bad at all i was trying to find stuff online and everywhere was telling me i had to do crazy amounts of stuff.

 

Just rattle cans. Under the white, I sanded the old paint down with 100 grit then 150 grit, primed, and wet sanded the primer with 400 grit and then 1000 grit. I didn't sand the base or clear coats. It sprayed as smooth as the OEM paint, so I was happy with the match! Under the bedliner, I used 100 grit and then a red scuffing pad in a crosshatch pattern.

 

how exactly does the tairgate come off? i know the two cables but what about the hinges.

 

Your driver side hinge is a "cup" over a round stud. The the hinge on the passenger side is a simicircle over a a more rectangular stud. Open the tailgate. Remove the cables from the bed (and it helps to have a buddy, but you can do it solo) now lift up on the passenger side. Onche it clears the stud, just pull the driver side away. Its super easy. It should only take a few seconds.