Stripped bolts on tailgate

Hey there everybody...so, i wanted to take off this piece of plastic and ClearShield the tailgate. When I removed the bolts going into the tailgate, every single one of them was stripped out of the plastic bushing. Is this a common issue? Thank you.

 

Did you remove them by hand or use an impact driver/power drill?

 

By hand for sure. Absolutely no effort required at all to take them out. They were all spun through the plastic.

 

Never heard of it. Did you get them out? If not, wedge something underneath and back them out while pulling up on the screw. Then replace with new or a tad bigger screw.

 

They came out ok...Just nobpurchase whatsoever

 

Body shop stripped two of mine. Thanks for the reminder that I need to order new bushings.

 

I recently installed pop lock kit, and when reassembling, one of them stripped very easily. It's just a plastic press in but, I'd guess you could just get new ones. They're probably designed as one time use.

 

Very common issue with the screws. Just added the third front rail for my taco and I carefully removed all the t30 torque bolts without stripping a single one after hearing stories of people destroying the bolt head.

 

If you’re looking to replace them with a more permanent and reliable solution, buy a ‘nutsert’ kit and some stainless hardware......
I’ve used aluminum and steel nutserts for years and they’ve saved me a lot of time and money.....

 

There’s nothing worse than when you buy something, and end up feeling like a total nob.

 

This is what it looks like underneath. I’ve got the Mobtown stainless hardware that I never used, I’ll sell cheap.

https://mobtownoffroad.com/product/2005-2020-toyota-tacoma-tailgate-reinforcement-hardware/

 

I'm rusting!...

Toyota metal no like salt water. Can anyone suggest a source for good stainless steel (316) replacement bolts (what size are these bolts)? Thanks!!

 

Those plastic inserts sure seem like one-time use pieces. I have a few that could be replaced. Price is a bit ridiculous for what they are.

 

^What's the part number? Can probably find knockoffs on Amazon

 

What's the thread size? Should be very easy to find.

 

Rexka 40pcs Nylon Screw Grommets 3/16 Screw Size for Tailgate Protector Toyota Tundra Tacoma 90189-06010 Nissan Infiniti Honda Mazda https://a.co/d/5Vgshfi