DIY Tailgate Inner Panel Cover

Surprised this is still going

 

Ended up just biting the bullet and going with Mountain Hatch.

 

Why? The trucks still are and still use the same kneecap killing, can’t put a beer on it ribbed fiberglass.

 

Question. What tool / size is used to remove the tailgate panel?

 

T-30 torx I think...

 

Thank you!

 

This

 

Everyone that went aluminum, did you mount direct or put a little seal under?

 

Westin tailgate mat secured by Scotch extreme outdoor, double-sided tape ...

 

Need a group buy, Sorry I am late but all caught up.

 

I’ve been thinking about making a DIY panel for a while, this is what I ended up doing. I’m happy with v1, but may make a revised version with a few more mounting screws. Didn’t want to reinvent the wheel (or pay $200), just wanted a smooth tailgate for tailgating, camping and using as a mobile workbench. Aluminum Composite Panel, 1/2” corner radius, 51.5” x 13.25”. Painted with bed liner, stainless screws. Tailgate closes fine. Here are some photos.

 

Hoping one of y'all can help me out a bit here. I really have been wanting a tailgate panel to be my next mod as I recently got a RTT and such for camping and this would be the perfect addition. I cant even begin to justify however, spending the $150+ that companies are wanting for something like this. Therefore I'd like to see about making my own, but am not familiar with fabrication. Billie Bars makes exactly what I'm wanting (https://billiebars.com/collections/...ts/billiebars-tacoma-tailgate-cover-2005-2022). I really dig the aluminum look/cup holders and can easily add the foam padding as I do have experience with that.

That brings me to my request. Would any of y'all who have made one yourself A) have dimensions/specs for a 3rd gen, B) be able to tell me if I could just get a solid sheet of aluminum from the hardware store, trace over my current tailgate panel then proceed to cut? Or are more intricate measurements needed?

I appreciate any help that is offered!

 

Look at page 2 and do what I did

 

I did 1/8" 6061 aluminum. Just need to replace a few rivnuts. I think cost was $40+ shipping?

I have a Mobtown tailgate cap to pit back on also.

 

It looks like he's got his own website now too. Found this link in his FB marketplace listing. So for anyone else that doesnt use FB, use the link below. I just bought one in light grey.
https://staysophresh.ecwid.com/

 

Now these are wallet friendly! More my style lol. Have you gotten yours? How was install/do you have pics??

 

No, I haven't received it yet. I JUST ordered it last night. Probably hasn't even shipped yet. But yeah, given that the Mountain Hatch ones are $250, this one is like half the price.

But yes, once I do get it, I'll take some before/after photos.
-Kyle

 

↓

 

UPDATE: Still waiting to receive my flat tailgate panel. Looks like there's a shipping label created, but it hasn't moved anywhere yet

 

Did you contact him?