Powder Coated Tailgate Cap System by KB Voodoo

As we all know, the tailgate cap on the 2nd gen Tacoma is weak at best.

Almost all of the clips on mine have broken off in the year and a half that I've owned my truck, just from putting bikes and ladders on it.



Aside from the broken clips, it just doesn't feel "sturdy" when you put your hands on it to close the gate.

So this is my solution:




It is a 1/8" thick aluminum powder coated tailgate cap SYSTEM.

What makes it a system??

It utilizes 1/4" thick gasket material that serves two purposes:

1. It creates a gap between the cap and the tailgate, eliminating any metal to metal contact.

2. It raises the height of the new cap to match the height of the stock cap.


Here is the tape



Here is the gap




The end result is a tailgate cap that is incredible sturdy, offers better protection of the tailgate from the outside of the bed, and has a finish that closely matches that of the stock cap.







Price is $98 plus shipping. Includes torx bit and gasket material, pre-cut to size. System uses factory bolts


Assembly Instructions

Step 1 - Crack open a tasty beverage.


Step 2 - With the supplied T-30 torx bit, remove tailgate cap bolts.




Step 3 - Remove old cap. Your clips are probably broken, but if they aren't, gently pull the cap up until they release.


Step 4 - Clean the area where the gasket material goes. You want a good surface for it to stick to.




Step 5 - Take a swig of your tasty beverage.


Step 6 - Apply supplied gasket material as shown.




Step 7 - Carefully set the new cap in place. It may take some pressure to get it over the gasket, it is designed to be tight.


Step 8 - If necessary, tap into place with a dead blow hammer, or use a steel hammer and a block of wood.




Step 9 - Make sure the cap is centered on the gate. Use the center bolt for reference, as that hole is round, and not slotted.


Step 10 - Re-install the factory bolts. Don't use too much torque, as they will strip if you do.


Step 11 - Chug the rest of that beverage, because you're done and you have a sweet new tailgate cap!!


If you have any trouble during the install, shoot me a PM and I'll help you out.

 

This is a fantastic piece. I too hate the tailgate cap, all the center clips on mine broke with in 6 months of ownership. I hate how it peels off every time I close the tailgate. This solves that issue for good, I need to get my hands on this!

 

are you gonna be making more or was this just showing it off?

 

This is a great idea and looks like a quality product. Props!

Just a little constructive criticism here... I'm sorta anal about how things line up and sit together and it kinda bothers me that the new cap doesn't sit tight against the face of the tail gate sheet metal. It looks like it's just floating in front of it. Maybe there is a way to do a thinner gasket type, like a strip of rubber so it will fit more snug against the tail gate face? Just thought I'd share as a consumer who uses a Snugtop cap (it may also effect how the cap closes).

 

First production pieces go to powder coat this Thursday, then a few days after that, they will be ready to ship.

Price is $80 plus shipping (includes pre-cut gasket material).

 

I don't like the gap at all. Looks like a quality product, but that gap would be a deal-breaker, for me.

 

I like the "up" but not the "out"

 

Looks pretty good. Is there a way you can make it more flush with the tailgate?

 

I agree,....don't like the "out" gap. Otherwise I think it's a great idea/product.

 

This is correct. The tailgate is curved, so a gap of some degree is necessary.

The gap could be reduced by tweaking the design and using thinner gasket on the back of the tailgate, but I actually like the gap. It gives your thumbs something solid to grip when shutting the gate, and even with the gap, it looks beyond fantastic in person.

It also allows the use of a bungee at the back of the cap.

 

Dude... As usual you do great work. I'm glad to see the finished product. That looks extremely sturdy and unlimited uses.

 

Quality work!

 

I like this for the security it offers. With the plastic cap, it is so easy to defeat the Pop & Lock. With this one, it would be much harder to reach the internal locking mechanism.

 

I never even thought of that!!!

 

I just tried one of these straps on the cap, and it works perfectly. FTW!!

 

Very interested.

 

So you CAN'T close this gap up at all ?

I'm with the rest of the guys who say this gap is the deal-breaker...

I'd want it 1/16" - 1/8" away from the exterior of the tailgate, almost flush.

Awesome work though !

 

Yeah I agree with most of these guys too. That large of a gap would bug me everytime I look at the truck.

 

I could easily redesign it and make the gap smaller, but having one on my truck in it's current configuration makes me really like it the way it is.

It feels "right" in your hands when you close the gate.

After the first batch is in the hands of the public, feedback from the people who buy it will dictate which direction the gap will go.

RearViewMirror is getting the first one off the production line. We'll see what his opinion is as well.

It's one of those things that you have to see in person to appreciate.

 

I can also make two versions: One small gap, one big gap.

That being said, everyone will get the version that they want.