I'm an idiot....

Today I decided to finally install the amber flashing lights I have had sitting in my garage for over three weeks...

I started to mount them on the bumper then realized that the bumper is slightly slanted in, making the these lights not as bright because they aren't aimed straight back. So I found a way to make it work on my tail gate.

Now my problem....I got it all done and then I needed to open my tail gate for my puppy's kennel. Welp, the lights hit the bumper making it so the gate doesn't fully open and now the tail gate rests on these two lights, which rest on the bumper. I feel like an idiot and cannot even begin to fathom why I didn't think about this before I drilled out six holes into my tail gate.

So would you guys have ANY idea as to how I can open my tail gate up fully? A new gate is $500 something. And thats not painted and with no hardware. The only thing I can think of is to get together with a few buddies from work and fab up a new rear bumper. Suggestions?




I apologize for the crappy blackberry pic, all I have for now.

 

notch the bumper?

 

roll pan

 

I was thinking this but it'd be two decently sized "notches". They'd basically be holes lol Saws All with a gnarly ass blade I guess?

 

yeah that might be best?

 

buy a used tailgate for cheap.. I think ive seen some for like 100 bucks on craigslist. Already painted white..

 

I'll see what all my options can be first. But that sounds like the only thing I could do so far.

 

you can tenderize (aka beat) your tail gate to make recesses for the lights...

 

Well if you don't want to screw around with it forever my suggestion is since they are now mounted is try to figure out a way to recess them into the tailgate. Lots more work but it could be worth it. Your kind of into it now so you don't have much choice without costing a small fortune. At least you didn't pour tranny fluid into the rad. Or drain the tranny trying to change the engine oil.

 

find a tacoma that doesnt have the tailgate theft mod

 

oh shit i dont

 

Yeah I could only imagine how one would feel after something like that lol there really isn't a way to recess them into the gate. At least I can't think of a way. I'm probably gonna have to do the saws all method. sheeeeeiiiiit

 

x2 HELLA BLACK POINTS!

 

Because that wouldn't contradict my life career one bit

 

!!!!

 

Cut holes in the tailgate the size of the light. Use some rubber trims to cover the whole edge. Bend a couple small low profile U-shaped brackets with legs. JB weld the bracket on, mount the lights on the brackets you made. You'll have flush mounted the lights.

 

Mod the lights to mount flush. But then again if you ever put heavy weight on the already flimsy 2nd gen tailgate, it will probably still sag to the bumper.

Find a tube bumper like the one I have:

As you can see by the scratched paint, the previous owner (I bought it w/the bumper installed) had put something heavy on the tailgate that really settled on the stock bumper, so I would probably scratch that location as far as lights.

 

the civilized version of my idea but i support it

 

Steal a new tailgate duh!... Oh wait you're probably not cool with that huh officer...

 

i wont tell anyone fyi mine has the mod already