Reinforced Steel Tailgate Skin by Mobtown Offroad

I was able to get all my inserts done with the supplied bolt using a 6pt socket. The last 2 were getting pretty sketchy but got them done with all the knuckleskin still intact. Go slow and use 6pt socket FTW...........

 

I might change the supplied bolt to Grade 8 from now on. And yes, 6 point socket, some WD-40 and go slow.

 

Just boxed up your order. Shipping out FedEx ground tomorrow.

 

I had my ribbed tailgate skin delivered to me a few weeks ago. Only had time yesterday to install it. It's real simple...takes about 10 to 20 minutes to swap. I had my dremel to trim off the 3 guide pins for the plastic skin. For folks that don't know Joe: I've been talking to Joe for months...so it took a while since I wanted something different, but ended up getting the standard ribbed version. He's super busy guy...and I always appreciated some custom parts that Joe offers. I don't have the tools, so I think it's cool to have guys like Joe and other vendors who make these custom parts at a reasonable price.

Okay...back to the reivew. I don't have pictures yet, because I plan to remove it again and install the hardware that Joe provides and install a back up camera when I can find one for my "6 pin version" that comes with the 2014/2015 trucks. So everything was fine, I was able to install the tailgate plastic trim over them the ribbed metal skin and I thought I was done; until I closed the tailgate. Right side was closing flush...the tailgate to the taillight side was good, but the left side...the tail gate was sticking out about 5 to 8mm from the taillight side. I spent the next two hours taking the part on and off and adjusting the tailgate lock and striker.

So the issue is that the part I got from Joe is slightly bowed...it's normal since this is flat sheet metal and then the ribs get put it..so it will bow a bit. The problem I had was bottom corner of the tail gate (closest to the bumper) the end corner screw and then the next screw over is a bit too far...there needs to be another screw to flatten the tailgate skin when installed... but Toyota didn't provide another screw in between. Since there's a bow to the ribbed tailgate skin...I remember screwing down the skin from the middle out so it would flatten. I don't remember if I had put in the factory corner screws in yet...but there is a mini bow on the left (driver side) corner of the tailgate with the plastic tailgate skin installed...my tailgate now would not close flush. So the mini bow and also the fact that my composite truck bed there is about 3 to 5 mm difference between the left side and right side.

It's a game of tolerances... in my case...the mini bow from the metal ribbed skin and the truck bed itself...the tolerances both go the wrong way... I have interference. Without the plastic tailgate skin...the tailgate closes flush on both sides.

I wanted to let folks know who plan to use both the plastic skin and Joe's ribbed tailgate skin...you may run into this issue. The ribbed version itself looks really good...powder coat was nice... the only issue was placing the metal skin on a flat surface...it would not lay completely flat.

 

Perhaps the Mobtown skin wouldn't pull down flat since you weren't using the supplied steel threaded rivets. I used the steel rivets, and the steel skin lays absolutely flat once installed. It might be that the OEM plastic plugs that the factory fasteners screw into are pulling up a bit in the tailgate holes they are inserted into when the screws are tightened down, and allowing the steel skin to raise off the tailgate in the area you mentioned.

 

James,

Thanks for the write up and you're right, it does bow ever so slightly from when the turret punches the rib. But like OCD said, when you use the metal hardware that I supplied with the skin it does make quite a difference and pulls the skin down nice and tight. If you habe time, throw some pictures up so I can see. Thanks!

 

Thanks OCD and Joe. I knew I would use the metal hardware later on...first I need to find a 13/32" drill bit... My drill bit set didn't have it. Second since it's summer....I worked at night and I didn't want to make too much noise...even though I used the dremel for a few minutes. I'll take pictures today. I wanted to mention the fact that even if the ribbed skins was perfectly flat...still might have the issues because my bed is not even on both sides... annoys me, they don't take time to assemble the truck with a jig make sure both sides even. That's why I said it's a game of tolerances.

My truck has about 5K miles on it now... surprised to see that the big metal half circle tabs...there's one on each side was bent on the left side. Really is a weak tailgate design. Mobtown's skin lets you fix this and still use the factory skins that's why I like it.

Oh forgot to mention...I need to see if I have a T55 bit to realign the bed.

 

My bed was out of line too. Not as bad as yours from what it sounds.

 

Okay... I took the bed apart...didn't have a T55, but had an SAE equivalent. Loosened all 6 bolts...barely budged..I think I gained about 1 to 2mm max. From the photos with just the mobtown skin you can see the left which barely has clearance...so with the plastic skin...there's alot of contact.


And on the right side... there's a bit more room.

I took the metal skin off...I see there's two oblong slots...one on each side... I thought about drilling through the metal skin and putting a threaded insert so it can flatten out the bowing. I took the skin off and tried to bend it the other way to flatten it some... but I think the use of that oblong slot would help.

Another thing I noticed is the bottom tailgate hinge...left side is off compared to right side...I think that will help create some space I need.

 

Your bed/tailgate alignment is all over the place! Talk about a tolerance nightmare from the factory. My truck was tighter from one side to the other as well but only by 1-2 mm.

 

Reinforcement plates are in stock and ready to go. Just had another 20 come back from powder coat this morning. Visit my website for shipping cost and let me know if you have any questions!

 

Hi Joe, I agree... it's a bit of disappointment about that... but what do you think about the oblong slot to flatten out the mini bow I have across the two bolts? I know if I used your hardware it would still bow there as the turrent punch did cause some deformation and there isn't a screw there to flatten it back out again. Any other Tacoma should be fine if their truck was assembled with care...I think that's why some folks say the plastic skin fits and some say it doesn't. I'm one of the unlucky few...but I'm stubborn to make it work.

 

Remove skin, try to bend it back the opposite wat to flatten it out.

 

I already tried that...I had two items underneath the two bolt holes and then I used my hands and then one point feet to bend it back.... It was flat on the ground...but later on it seems to pop back... that little bow....we are talking 2 to 3mm bow... so best for me is to drill and try to use that oblong slot to flatten it....more work, but it is what it is. Still happy to have the Mobtown skin...without it...the tailgate always concerned me when I saw so many bent ones.

 

Just put my order through for a ribbed skin. Hoping for quick ship time to NJ

 

Sub'd. Looking forward to next sale or GB.

 

Yes I know. Pretty late. Anyhow, I finally got around to installing the tailgate plate and matching trim. Everything installed with extreme ease. Absolutely a piece of cake. I did use the factory OEM hardware, but chose to not reinstall the OEM plastic plate or tailgate trim. Extremely easy install and fit and quality is top notch.

For those who have used the plate for a while, how is the finish holding up? Durable? Resistant to scratches?

 

That's actually the only reason I put the stock plastic cover back on, didn't want to scrap up the finish, but again I only wanted it for a more sturdy tailgate

 

I have one on mine and have put it through hell with no issues.

 

My OEM plastic plate and trim is really bad looking. That is the main reason I bought the Mobtown offroad pieces. Just got tired of looking at my worn out OEM plastic parts. The extra strength will hopefully come in handy if I have to carry a motorcycle around.