Stamped TOYOTA tailgate

I'm trying to figure out the best way to mimic the late 70's through early 80's stamped tailgates. So far I feel like the best way would be to buy one from a junk yard, cut out the stamped TOYOTA and weld it into the 2011 tailgate.

Has anybody tried this?

Any better ideas?

I've thought about getting the letters cut out of 1/8" steel and having them welded onto the tailgate but that seams expensive. Anybody know of someone with the capabilitiy to actually stamp/press the letters into the tailgate?

Yes I know I'm a little bit crazy for doing this to a new truck.

Something like this...

 

Your first idea is better. To cut letters and weld them all and do body work with cost a pretty penny.

 

that would be a crazy amount of body work and metal forming. If you have the skills and tools (not just a welder and a hammer lol) then it should be possible. Its probably more work than its worth though.

 

get some decals that have a "3-D" look

 

That would be the first time I've seen anything like that. Sounds crazy. I would imagine you might have trouble finding the older tailgate with the metal around the letters in good enough shape to mesh with your brand spankin new tailgate. I would tend to lean toward the decal idea as well.

Also, having the letters cut out and welded to the existing metal would probably be the only way of ensuring a uniform service underneath. The old metal and new metal, like I said, would be a very difficult blending exercise

 

just get some sockmonkey decals for the tailgate. Unless you're dead set on the raised metal it would be a cheaper alternative.

 

I agree with this.

 

this^ and you can take them off if you don't like.

 

You could go the decal route which would look good too but if I were to do this, I would find someone that is really good at airbrushing and go that route. I have seen so many designs airbrushed that look 3d. Just my .02

 

I had black vinyl for a couple of months saying TOYOTA on my tailgate...I'd rather put that back on than weld....it's gonna be alot of work to get it to do that

 

cool i say go for it if you can find a way, maybe somone in the photoshop thread can show you what it will look like before its done

 

Reviving the thread (found while searching for a different tailgate topic).....

I carry a growing selection of 1972-2004 tailgate decals at www.BLVinyl.com, for those who would like to go that route.

For tailgate metal modifications, check out https://www.instagram.com/_tristan.welch/ and his Hilux for inspiration.

 

+1 For BLVinyl

That's where I got all my decals. They are very high quality materials, meant to last 10+ yrs.

 

Ky Joe did what I was going to suggest. Your local print shop should be able to make up some correct Toyota letters for you on adhesive vinyl.
I have a friend who drag races and he went that route lettering his car which came out really nice. Check to see if there is any denser vinyl that can be applied.
My area has several printers who do this, so I think it is safe to say it maybe the same where you live. Good luck!

 

I like that 4WD decal. (I assume they are cut letter/transfer applique?) Do they come in different colors? My truck is white, and an off-white or light gray would be a nice subtle accent in that spot on the tailgate.

 

Do you have the $30 anti theft bracket from the guy here that sells them

 

If your question is directed at my post: I would answer this way:
1: No
2: I think see your point: makes the tailgate a target?
and:

3: Thank you for the hint! (I can't afford to lose my tailgate to a decal that I believe would make it more of a target than it prob already is.)

4: If it has nothing to do with my reply: My apologies: Never mind!

I actually saw that decal on a late-model Toyota just recently and thought it was nice because it had a kind of: "old school Je*p" look yet still looked right in place. (it was a 2nd gen) Much better than the "4x4" emblem, or the rear mud-flaps of same. (Trivia: Ever notice how every 4x4 right rear mud-flap has the second "4" all faded out? Must be the exhaust heat. There's some money to made there..... hmmmmmm: decals?)

 

Me too. and it's reversible if you don't like it.

 

I welded the raised letters to the back of my flat bed. It was a lot of work but I'm happy with how it turned out.

 

I just put a set of these 4WD decals on my replacement mudflaps, time will tell if they stay stuck...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/255130623856