Crummy Compartment Latches on 2nd Gen

I originally commented on this issue in a thread on Toyota eliminating the drivers side bed cubby....
Toyota used the most flimsy sheet metal inner latches to keep both bed and under-seat compartments closed. They bend and flex and work themselves open letting the contents loose in the bed.

I store my hitch & ball in the bed driver side on the 2009. A little bouncing from the hitch against the door and the force just bends the latch until the door rattles open and the hitch winds up bouncing in the bed.

The double cab under-seat storage uses the same junk, and they are mangled also from continuous use.

I made new latches from 1/8" Al. Two roll pins straddle the knob web in place of the original comb fingers. Im thinking about anodizing them next.

So far they seem to be working much better.

 

Mine have never failed but if yours did then you have a good solution.

 

Here are 2 of the latches. Failed one (left) is from under-seat driver side. The other is from the small cubby next to the AC inverter. I wonder if the little patch was a factory fix for a loose fitting latch cutout?

 

Does anyone know the part number to these, or if there is a better aftermarket solution to OEM? Mine hold well, but the amount of rust on the exterior ones has me concerned.

 

Damn these are slick. My under-seat ones are about to fail, would you consider making these to sell?? I’d be interested in some for sure.

 

Doesn't look like its possible to buy the latches separately, only full covers.

2gen:
https://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/o...0YWNvbWEmeT0yMDE0JnQ9YmFzZSZlPTQtMGwtdjYtZ2Fz
https://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/o...0YWNvbWEmeT0yMDE0JnQ9YmFzZSZlPTQtMGwtdjYtZ2Fz

looks like this might be it for the 3rd gen? (scroll down to #11):
https://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/v...road--3-5l-v6-gas/body--front-and-side-panels

Only aftermarket option I'm aware of is from Mobtown:
https://mobtownoffroad.com/product/2005-2020-toyota-tacoma-locking-cubby-storage-door/

 

Nice work. I have the same problem. Factory latches not strong enough for a ball mount

 

Ball mounts are way too heavy for the cubbies,most guys store straps and such in them.

 

I didn’t get much of a response when I first posted this. But I would consider making some. It does require minor mod to knob. I have to dig out the fixtures.
@wenatcheekid you can PM me to indicate interest (or others)

 

Mine pop open even with storage straps inside. They really are flimsy.

 

Those look perfect for my bed box, i need a pair.

 

I put drawer locks on mine,no more popping open.

 

I started a conversation!

 

I just bend the silly things back in yeah they are super cheap.

 

Edit. Wrong topic

 

My stock ones work great for what I need, but my problem is the cheap metal has caused severe rust. Based on the suggestions here, I may try to make some new ones using the scrap aluminum from mounting my shovel to the bed rails.