1st Gen Lunchtable Thread - General Discussion

Door broke again, finally gave in and went to the storage unit to find the metal handles and put one in.
I hope they still make these, I like it. Need to get backups.

 

Bet that thing whistles down the road haha

 

I only had one on the Tacoma break, that was it.

None broke on the 4R.

I thought Dorman had those metal ones? I expect those to last a long time.

 

What part of the metal ones is metal? Mine always break like the one you showed but last time I looked I dont remember that part being metal on the upgraded one?

My drivers is 'broken' right now, same break as yours, using a ziptie to hold that 'hinge' down lol

 

Hey welcome back. Hope you enjoyed your vacation.
(That's not sarcasm)

 

Only the handle is metal. The back side that brakes is still plastic. I reinforced a handle from an old Honda using JB weld and half of a popsicle once, never had issues with it again

 

The top one is a full plastic Dorman and the bottom is the one with the metal hinge and handle. That's all I think it is anyway. Just feels beefier overall though. Spring also felt better, though the Dorman was worn. Dorman just stopped returning to position this time. But there is a little cracked plastic as well.

I can take a photo of the other one I haven’t installed for better detail.

FWIW its this:

$65 Exterior Front Driver & Passenger Door Handle Set, Upgraded Metal, Compatible with 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma - Textured Black - 69220-35020, 69210-35020, 79345, 91318, 79344, 91319, TO1311117, TO131011

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YQBPHS9?th=1

 

Ah dang, that sucks.

 

Damn everyone always speaks so highly of the metal ones, figured that something more important was actually replaced.
Looks like they're not expensive, so still worth it over others for the better feel.
It does look like they redesigned the 'hook' that pushes down that silver see-saw-lookin piece, I've had issues with the oem design there as well as the standard hinge break, especially when the center rivet starts to loosen and allow it to rotate off-axis slightly

FWIW the ziptie method works pretty well if your JB weld/popsicle breaks. The zip tie takes a couple years in AZ to get brittle enough to snap and require replacement

 

The metal handles can get hot if it's parked out in the sun. I do still like my metal handles. I'm sure there's some images in my threads that show the guts of handle before they went in

 

I've always just installed OEM door handles and greased the rods inside the door and door latch. Never had luck with any aftermarket options.

I fear the day that a handle breaks on my 04 because I have 4 color matched door handles.

 

Only have a metal one on the passenger side. Because the wife has broken 3. I think. They feel so much cleaner in the pull. Need to replace the drivers maybe. But for sure the tailgate! It’s all for her!

 

If you dont drive your truck you cant break stuff. Just saying

 

I have also learned that this is the way

 

And just to update - I’ve bathed Dex at least 5 times today and he still reeks albeit way better than before. But holy hell

fuck skunks man, like seriously what the fuck had to happen to you to make you evolve into the hellfire ass spewing demon you are

 

One time I stepped on a skunk walking on a golf course at night in Sedona… Somehow I didn’t get sprayed, fucker just squealed and bounded away. I thought it was a fluffy cat until it dawned on me I’ve never seen a cat with stripes like that! Super thankful he didn’t ruin my birthday weekend!

So sorry you’re dealing with this man, what a disaster. Have you considered burning the house down and starting over?

 

They just went through dealing with terrible fires out there recently

 

Oh shit, oops…

Please disregard my tasteless joke and just accept my sympathies @eon_blue

 

Oh no it was hilarious

Just that us CA are always on fire