Rocker panels

My son has a 2001 Tacoma xtra cab and would like black powder coated rocker panels for Christmas. Any suggestions where I can find these? TIA

 

I don't think you can buy powder coated rocker panels for these trucks, you would have to get the rocker panels that are on your son's truck powder coated. For that you would want to look into any local companies in your area that do powder coating and ask if they'll be able to do it to your son's vehicle. Or maybe an auto paint shop will offer that as one of their services, I'm not sure

 

Thank you

 

Since there's so little "rocker panel" below the doors, there aren't really aftermarket panels you can get like you can with jeeps.

If your son is looking to gain some protection of the doors/rocker panels against rocks while off-roading, rock sliders are pretty much your only option.For these, there are a few different options, and range in price from a few hundred to arm/leg prices.

Keep in mind these are different from "running boards" which are generally much cheaper, and bolt to the body, whereas the rock sliders are bolted/welded to the frame and can support the entire weight of the truck. Running boards are simply steps, though some of them do LOOK like rock sliders.

 

Very true about such a small area below the door. Thanks for the insight!

 

What's your budget for the gift? We could tap into our own wish lists and see if there's an alternative he'd like.

 

I’d prefer a max of $400.

 

Is he into offroading with his truck? Or more just about enhancing the truck's looks (or both)?

 

That's a pretty lucky kid you got there!

If he's interested in rocker panel protection, just to give you an idea my rock sliders cost less than $300. I think shipping was $80 for me. Granted, I had to install them myself with some welding involved, but this is likely going to be the best bang for your buck for excellent rock protection.

I got an "upgraded" version (stronger DOM tubing), but your basic slider costs $245 (link below).

https://www.4xinnovations.com/955-04-Extended-and-Double-Cab-Tacoma-Rock-Slider_p_72.html


Other things in the $400 or less category that you may consider: You could build him a pretty extensive recovery/safety kit for $400:
A good portable air compressor: Viair 400P ~$160
quick tire deflator/pressure gauge (~$40)
ARB recovery strap (~$60)
various D-ring shackles (~$40)
hi-lift-jack (~$100)
shovel
gloves
tire patch kit, etc...

There's even something like a GPS enabled tablet with an off-line mapping app like Giaia or Backcountry Navigator Pro to help with navigation while off-road. You can get pretty cheap ones for about $100 and the software is cheap, like $5-20 or something.

Or there's a GPS 2-way communication device: A Garmin InReach.
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/592606

Bar far the smallest package for $350 (cheapest one), but this is an invaluable tool if your son does a fair amount of backcountry driving. There's a monthly/annual cost involved as well, but since these things use satellite GPS to communicate, there's no such thing as "out of cell service" or out of range for your CB radio.

Anyhoo, this is fun talking about spending someone else's money!

 

True, if he's not actually into off-roading. Ignore everything I just said, lol

 

@OP -

Is the rocker panel damaged, and if it is, could you maybe take a picture of it and post it here?