Repair Advice

Happy Friday Everyone! I am new to this website and I need some advice on my Tacoma. My goal is to try and have the truck retain as much value as possible! Last week I got a little too aggressive with my 2018 Tacoma TRD Off Road 6SPD Manual and I backed it into a tree while scouting out a hunting spot deep in the woods. The tailgate is severely dented. I doubt that it can be repaired but will rather require a replacement. I have considered doing the repair myself but I have a few concerns....

1) It is very difficult to find a good priced burgundy tailgate. Most of the ones I have seen on junk yard websites, ebay, and parts websites are not the right color and would require repainting.

2) Additionally, if I did buy a new tailgate by myself (even if it was the right color), how would I match my key to it?

Lastly, the bumper has a bend or dent in it as well and as that part is also expensive I am considering just using my insurance and paying my deductible to pay for all the repairs. But if anyone has advice on this issue please let me know.

I will try and get some pictures for you guys here shortly.

 

If you want it repaired back to basically new, then have a body shop do it. Use the insurance that you pay for.

 

Excellent point. Why do we pay for it if we never use it? Do you happen to know if they will use the same key cylinder from my damaged tailgate and put it in a replacement tailgate or just buy a shell tailgate and take all the components out of the damaged tailgate and reinstall them? Of course they will also have to paint any tailgate they find unless I get lucky and they find one in a matching color in good condition.

 

I'm sure they can get a key cylinder keyed to your truck. This is all based off the VIN number. They can order stuff already color matched.

 

Pretty sure the cylinder from your current tailgate can be easily transferred to the new. No rekeying. Post some pics of the damage!

 

It's new enough, I'd just have insurance take care of it and have it done right. Although I live in Michigan where insurance is insane so hopefully that's not your case.

 

Option A- go through a body shop and have the tailgate replaced and color matched.

Option B- ute tray.

 

Thanks for the replies so far. Its already dark here but I will get some pictures tomorrow morning and have them posted by tomorrow afternoon!

 

Not sure how bad your damage is, but just think of it as theft deterrent with a side of devil may care. Folks will give you plenty of space while driving if it’s bad enough

 

Welcome to The Forum!

 

I wouldn't stress myself searching for parts and contemplating what to do, just report it to your insurance and get it properly fixed.

 

Here! Prefect solution!!!

 

@BalutTaco that is hilarious! I honestly have been looking at aftermarket solutions to replace the tailgate but once again it would have to be something that holds the value of the truck or increases it. Thanks again to everyone else who has replied as well! To reference my original post my main concern to have the truck retain its value. Now that its morning here I am going to go out and grab some photos of this thing really quick and post them here. Standby....

 

You could get a lift gate. That would add value if somebody had a use for one. I've seen liftgates installed on 2nd gen 5lug trucks.

 

I did the same thing with my Tundra. They can't repair it according to a buddy. Priced just the bare shell of the tailgate and it was $1000. Ended up trading it in without it being repaired.

 

The truck is worth approximately $30,000, get it fixed. This is why we pay for insurance.

 

@Cal1630 I owe WAY less than that so I think I am going to go that route. Just came on here to see if anyone else had other takes or unique/creative ideas. The part that sucks the most is there is a small dent/crack on the bumper but I don't think that piece can be replaced without a full replacement bumper but I will see what the shop says when I am able to get it in there this week. As promised to everyone here are the photos. Please continue to provide your input and feedback. I appreciate everyone's input!

Edit: FYI the tailgate is unlocked but pulling the handle will not open it. I had to climb inside the truck and pull the cover off the tailgate after removing all the bolts/screws and manually pull the bar inside with my hand to get it to open.

 

Not saying that is what you owe. I was saying that is the approximate value of the truck.

 

Impressive!

 

@Skydvrr ha ha thanks. Its a pain in the ass but as others have pointed out...why do we all pay for car insurance if we never end up using it. I have USAA and though this is my first auto claim with them, in general I always get great customer service from them. And though this may be blasphemous because I am IN LOVE with this truck. I tend to beat my trucks up a lot so I may trade it in for something that already has dents in it ha ha.

@Cal1630 Yeah I was just point out that I owe less than the KBB or NADA value before I damaged it and if I can restore it to that point I may be able to pay it off and put a down payment on a beater truck. Therefore, I think your advice on getting it all fixed and restored is the best path for me.