New run of 05+ steel tailgate reinforcements

Exactly.

 

Hoping to start on it after work today.

 

To double check: You also remove the black plastic angled trim piece at the top of the tailgate, yes?

Assuming the metal-reinforcement doesn't fit over that. I think I need to find some of that clear vinyl to cut a strip and put on the tailgate painted side to avoid scratches...

 

I couldn't get mine on in the test fit phase, before drilling the holes. It didn't even really seem close. I gouged he paint a few places and I was still almost an inch from it seating over the ridge in the top of the gate. I tried convincing it, but to avail. I may try again.

 

Yes, you remove the plastic cap on the top of the tailgate. With mine, there was only a scratch from my test fit, and it was pretty minor. After my test fit, I used blue painters tape to protect from any additional scratches.

dp

 

Could your tailgate be slightly bent already? Ive read that some people "worked" the metal using a 2x4.

 

come on guys..

Let's see your stuff being installed / installed..

 

The tailgate is simply fatter in the middle. I tried working it open a bit but it only bent the lip of the reinforcement. It looks like it would sit flat if you somehow got it over the ridge a few inches from the top of the gate. My tailgate already has damage, not in middle or from weight, so I really DGAF about the paint. If I would have thought it was going to work without seriously creasing it I would have hammered it on there.

I don't really need it, I bought a 5 by 8 trailer since my atv doesn't fit in the bed anyway.

 

I just purchased a brand new tailgate from Toyota this morning and during my inspection of it, I viewed it along on the top (looking along the line the top makes) and it appeared completely straight.

 

Crazy. Mine looked obviously fatter in the middle. I just went outside to check and there's 100 percent no way it's not a good deal thicker in the middle. Even the plastic cap is much thicker in the middle.

I walked over to another Tacoma in the lot and his looks dead straight. At some point they've changed both the gate and the top cap. Mine is a way late 2013 model, fwiw.

 

Measured in the center...


Same caliper setting on the edge of the tailgate to show the thickness difference...


It's not subtle.

 

mine fitted ok, even bedlined







Only that tailgate doesen't close completely

 

Hi Guys-

We did confirm on a near brand-new 2014 that these fit exactly the same. It slipped right on. Gaston, if you'd like to try "opening" up the bend a little bit in the new tailgate, you can do that. But only minimal should be needed.

If you're going to be using BOTH the plate AND the stock composite, I believe that you need to adjust the hinges so that it will close properly.

 

Installed my tailgate reinforcement today. Love it! Used Herculiner on it. Helluva deal.

Many thanks to HoffmanDesigned!

 

Nice work

 

This is a good point. I drilled all the holes the same size, then I primed (last night), and _then_ realized that the larger screws, while the same diameter thread-width, has a wider head (you know what I'm talking about).

So I guess my options are to: widen those screw-holes...or live with the screw not sitting completely flush....

Im going to be re-using the composite decking on top of it (already trimmed ~2mm of metal from the sides).

aw crap.

 

Could anyone please elaborate on the hinge modification to get the tailgate to close with both the composite decking AND the tailgate reinforcement installed?

 

I think that it just needs to be trimmed

 

I am interested in one of these, but cannot seem to find a weight on them. Does anyone know what the steel plate weighs?

 

What needs to be trimmed specifically?