Good news to anyone considering a pop&lock tailgate lock

After having researched tailgate locks here for some time and deciding on the manual pop&lock despite it's drawbacks, one of which was the black finish appearing "cheap" and subject to further fading, was pleased to find they are now offering a "premium" finished version, in black. various oem colors now available also, though perhaps only in the standard paint-quality version (?). pleased to deal with an american company (though there website could use some tweaking)
http://www.popandlock.net/Manual_Tailgate_Lock/Toyota_Tailgate_Lock/Manual_Toyota?product_id=93

 

having to pay even more for a "premium" plastic/paint because the regular one is cheap and breaks is kind of ridiculous

 

sucker is expensive...

 

I went with the dynolock. don't have to change out the handle.

 

I hear ya, but there's not a lot out there for this application. sure, could go electric (dynolock or P&L's electric version), but potentially issues with electric (look up the electrics that have failed, including if you encounter a dead battery). some here seem to love their P&L's

 

i'd rather pay in between the 2 different "finishes" and them just make one version that isn't junk and will last a long time! lol

 

plasti dipped mine before I installed it

 

I have the silver to match the truck. The match is not horrible but was defiantly disappointed. How do you screw up silver? If I had to do over I would have stayed with black. The main components are still primarily cheap plastic.

If you want a lock that will prevent people from easily opening the gate it does the job. If you think it will really keep out someone who wants in you will be disappointed.

For my needs I would get the manual again but in black.

 

I've had mine for about 4.5 years. Works fine, looks fine, never a problem. With that + the hose clamp mod, you're pretty certain to never have your tailgate stolen.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/16732-taco-tailgate-theft-deterance.html

 

i don't know about the new version but, my pop&lock has been fine ging on 2 years now i think i paid 20 bucks for it if that brand new. it seems to match up pretty decent with the factory plastic handles on my regular cab. now its not a perfect match but, its close or close enough.

 

Has anyone tried the white one? I wonder how close it matches the white Toyota paint.

Seems crazy, sounds like the only difference with the black premium and normal is the paint. That must be some expensive paint. Anyone who has seen both, it is worth it?

 

I've got the later model black one on my truck (added a Pioneer reverse camera to my '05) and once the paint flaked off it looked better. It's holding up fine though and does what it's supposed to. I'll probably shoot some black paint on it if I ever have to take it off or open the tailgate up.

 

received the lock, but discovered a large, noticeable scratch on the upper-portion of the plastic casing, something that would catch my attention every time went to open it. promptly called p&l, and to their credit, they immediately sent a replacement, due today, and a return label.