Tailgate Storage Mod

After seeing how the tailgate is constructed, not at all concerned. The two ribs and the "tabs" are there to keep the thin sheet metal from caving under load. Press on the right spot and you will still bend it. The lid design would be of a much thicker gauge and you could incorporate ribs to mimic the originals, but I don't think that would be necessary if you design the frame properly.

The Wagongear unit is a good example of spreading the load to the perimeter to eliminate the need for any internal support. He has some pictures of him standing on it supported at each end.

EDIT: Couldn't find the one of him standing on it. But here he is jumping on it.

 

I have a black one. Pretty sure I'm going to render it useless.

 

I will admit that I have always been bit of a "nervous Nelly" when driving something heavy up ramps and into the bed.

 

It occurred to me that I should account for external forces on the tailgate when it's closed.

 

It's a legit concern.

 

Thanks for link. I have seen them on ebay new for 70 shipped. I will probably grab one of these. http://www.ebay.com/itm/151987120526?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

How do they manage free shipping? Their tailgate cost must be dirt cheap. Good find though. I may need one of those.

 

Ok. It's been a while since I've posted something. Been busy with other projects and things. Picked up some tools to help with cutting the tailgate and fabbing the lid.

I want to cut as close to the bevel (?) as possible to leave the maximum amount of surface area for the lid.

All I managed today was marking the cut line.

 

The anatomy of a first gen Tacoma tailgate.

 

I'm leaning toward a hatch design along these lines.

 

This would be a cool thing to have/do.

 

It has its advantages and disadvantages.
Needs to be

• Weatherproof/dry
• Secure
• Strong
• Rust resistance/proof
• If I increase the volume, easy to slide/roll over

Damn. I think I just gots me'n idear.

 

I like it a lot

 

Hi guys this thread has been very helpful as I'm researching to do the same to my 1st gen Tacoma.
Has anyone had a chance to actually finish there tailgate conversion? I see @2BeersPlease was off to a good start but don't see any finish pictures.
Thanks

 

I love this idea!
Could also create an excellent space for a water tank and hot water heater

 

If you were to weld in steel rods something like 1/8” so its easy to bend into shap and weld it along the edges and across, it will provide extra ridgity and strength to the whole tail gate and not take up to much space

 

I'm working on something along these lines for the 2nd gen tailgate.

 

It fell off my radar while I got side tracked with other projects. However, I picked up some steel for the frame about two weeks ago. I'm hoping to get back to it this summer.

 

2nd gens have a lot more space. i'm considering doing a 1" lid just to add a little volume.

 

Is this even a good idea?
I mean there is so little room, I wish the tailgate was deeper. I measured mine today and at the deepest point it’s only 1 3/4”...
Yes I know “that’s what she said” joke in here somewhere. But on a different note here is my current plans for my tail gate. Im thinking of doing 2 angled door hatches with outside size 15”x15”. Kinda drew it out to get a feel for it. I want to leave the center solid so when I have my dirt bike in the bed the wheel won’t be in the way of me opening the lids. Only other thing I’d need would be to swap out those latches for locking ones and hope it all stays together lol.

Let me know what you guys think.