Pop and Lock

So I just traded the 06 in for a 12 double cab short bed with the factory bed extender. I wanted to add the pop and lock handle to prevent someone from trying to steal the extender. I wanted to extend my review for any potential buyers.

When I first opened the package I immediately noticed how the whole unit was plastic and seemed cheaply made. When disassembling my factory handle I really came to a realization of the quality difference. I realize this is an aftermarket part, but this is nearly unacceptable. I proceeded with the install anyhow. The factory gasket that you have to transfer over barely fit on the pop and lock model. I had to really pull it to stretch it over the dowels. When installing the final 10mm bolts I noticed that the threads in the pop and lock weren't lining up with the holes in the tailgate very well. This put the whole handle in a bind and caused it to be pulled to the right when fully tightened down. Needless to say I re installed my factory handle and package the pop and lock back up for a return. I guess I will just have to remove the extender when not using it. Although it is nice even with the tailgate up for securing small items.

Suffice to say I would not recommend this product. I realize that I may have got one that was "made on Monday," but I don't think one that would fit properly would satisfy me either. It just didn't seem well engineered to me.

 

Mine was good quality when I bough it 2 1/2 years ago. Still works well with regular greasing.

 

mine is great it works nice keep it lubed up and viola.

the difference in the plastic was noticeable when it was new but after having it on the truck for the last year it seems to have blended in nicely.

 

I put in the electric lock version pop and lock, no issues... Very helpful tech support... The tacoma OEM handle on the 2011 is plastic as well... My only hope is the handle breaks before the electric lock... Basically any lock is there to keep the honest folks honest....

 

Does the electric one use your factory handle?

 

It does use the factory handle. If you look at it, it is basically an electric block.

I wish the factory handle was metal.

 

Wish I read this post before I ordered and installed the Pop & Lock. I am in the same boat, looks cheap and not as nice as OEM tailgate handle. I am getting ready to go back outside and return the POP & Lock handle. I plan to go with the remote lock posted by bootboiler. It is hidden and it is one less key to carry, I like how it intergrates into the Taco's wireless lock system.

 

I bought mine here...

$122 Pop & Lock – Power Tailgate Lock for Toyota Tacoma, Fits Models 2005 to 2015 (PL8521)

http://www.amazon.com/Pop-Lock-PL85...Q05S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327343377&sr=8-1

 

Where are you tie-ing in your wires shown in image 4 and 5?

 

Awesome, thanks for the info!

Yeah, I sent pop and lock an email and they were pretty quick to respond. They are revamping the company as it was just recently bought out, so hopefully things will improve.

 

I just ordered the Dynolock after reading all the info. here:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/product-reviews/36908-dynolock-electric-tail-gate-lock-install.html

Hope to have it by this weekend to install.

That should keep the casual/lazy thief outta my bed, with my soft tonneau hiding the goodies.

 

I ran them all the way up along the frame, to a hole under the passenger seat, then under the kick plate, through the rubber tube to the door, and up to the lock actuator, (i.e. Not the lock button) you need to go to the lock.

 

Pop&lock and the OEM are both plastic, if someone offers a Metal or aluminum handle, I'll buy it.

 

Anyone ever repaired their Latch Assembly. I little plastic part has broken holding one of the opening rods and prevents the latch from working.

 

My broken Tailgate Latch plastic part continued;

I went down to the Toyota House and the Parts Guy told me I had to order a complete latch assembly and he could not order just the little plastic keeper that had broken. AND it would cost me about $135.00 retail. That is total B.S. and Toyota should offer that part because it will break very easy.

I went home and fabricated the part out of some plastic stock I use for woodworking jigs. Took me about fifteen minutes to make it and now the tailgate works like a champ. I did have to use a zip-ty to hold the rod to the part. And it is much more robust than the original part.

 

Pictures?

 

I just installed a pop and lock last night. It isn't awesome quality, but its ok, and should suit my needs fine, I hope. I just need a locking latch to prevent tailgate theft. It doesn't operate as smoothly as the stock latch, but I helped that a bit with some white lithium grease.

 

Too bad you fixed it already. I have a ton in my tool box.

 

Some questions about installing the

$122 PL8521 Pop & Lock – Power Tailgate Lock for Toyota Tacoma, Fits Models 2005 to 2015 (PL8521)

PL8521: I've never done any wiring in my truck (or any vehicle). Am i feeding the wire for the P&L through the corrugated wire harness? Or along side it? When I get to the hole under the passenger seat, what is the kick plate you mention? How do i get the wire into the door, and connected to the actuator?