Next BIG Mod: Install a bottle opener in the bed

OK, I've done the search but couldn't find the definitive answers I wanted. Will take proud ownership of a Starr XX wall-mounted bottle opener today and want to install it on the composite wall of my truck's bed. Don''t know how to access the area between the wall and the rear quarter panel, which would seem to eliminate the stainless steel threaded screw, washer, and nut solution.

Even if it is accessible, I'm 68, arthritic, and not a contortionist. But I do like the occasional cold malt beverage while sitting on the tailgate reflecting on my most recent accomplishments.

Anyhow, would a self-tapping screw adequately secure a simple bottle opener to that composite bed wall? I want to keep this simple.

 

pop rivets. they're easy and solid.

 

If you want it close to one of the cubbies, pull out that cubby. You can get your hand behind the bedside easily then, and use your SS nut bolt washer set up that way.

 

I've mounted a bottle opener in the composite bed. Drill a small pilot hole and hand tighten self tapping screw and you'll be fine.

 

I'm a fabricator so my new mission at work in the morning. I'll post my results!

 

Should be one on your Coleman Cooler!

 

I'm still saving up for this mod! It's a good one!

 

If your meat hooks aren't too nimble you can try to pop out one of the tail lamps and through-bolt it that way, or as @Siblue said, a pilot hole and some self-tapping (stainless) screws would work fine. You just need to size out the pilot hole right, our composite beds are forgiving, but you don't want to push it to hard.

 

Hmmmm???

Thanks for all your responses. My Starr X opener came with 2 screws, black, Phillips, maybe 1/2 to 3/4" in length. What distinguishes a "self-tapping screw" from what I, in my ignorant way, would call a "wood screw"? And what's the right size pilot hole for a self-tapping screw? Is it half the diameter of the screw's maximum diameter, or ??? Can I do really serious damage to the composite bed wall by f---ing this up?

I realize that for many of you, this is a "Shop 101" project; but, for me and my skill set, it's a tad more complicated.

 

interested as well. Im using a yeti though, because i am made of money. i kid my tacoma took everything

 

BIG mod project? Do it right! Make sure to use the proper lift kit on that opener and mount it high enough or you will be stuck with low clearance and will only get to open 12oz bottles, no pints or 40's. Read the threads here and do it right the first time or else anything larger than a 12oz will get you high centered!

It's a good project though, I used to be able to open bottles on the tailgate of my '85 and gen 1 Tacoma, not anymore!!

 

Best counsel yet. There are just those times when you'll need the capacity for a more than a 12 oz. bottle. I get that! Think big!

I'm heading out to the driveway now to get this mod done before my failing daylight is gone. Video, tutorial, YouTube will follow (no, not really, that's another thing I'm still working on).

 

bottles =

cans =

 

Best mod I have done yet.

 

Mission accomplished! Just about as easy as drilling 2 holes in plastic, then driving a couple of screws into their righteous locations. Which is what I just did. Most guys would have called it good with an opener angled at 180 degrees from TDC. Not me. Mine is 162 degrees, which will minimize potential carpal tunnel issues. Readily accessible with the tailgate up or down. Lefties (spawn of Satan) will have to crawl into the bed of the truck, face rearwards, in order to open their bottles. Or install their own damned openers on the other side.

Beta test went well, then locked everything down. Would have tested it more than just once, but had already toasted my impending success earlier in the evening. Photos, YouTube, and post-installation customer survey results to follow. But don't stay up late waiting for these.

 

Nice, good idea too. Now make a little slot below the opener to deposit the bottle caps!

 

Which one to go with?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N8YJ0C1/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=AD1NJQ8DVJ6OU&psc=1

$30 YETI Wall or Cooler Mounted Bottle Opener

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009HBTZ3Q/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A3VZHMRV3J141P&psc=1

Polished Stainless Steel STARR"X" Wall Mounted Bottle Opener

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049NJDNO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A292PCWTU9U0US&psc=1

right now I am really leaning towards the yeti I like the 4 screws and indestructible look

 

That yeti one would look good on the dash!

 

For what it’s worth, the U shape part on the door jamb that the latch connects to is a suitable bottle opener.

5 minutes of googling and I couldn’t find the correct term for the part, but there you have it. Toyota gave you a bottle opener when they assembled your truck

 

I was just getting ready to do this, but I was going to put it here into the metal. Is there a reason why that won't work???