2001 Tacoma Emblems

Hey everybody, I'm currently new to Tacoma World but simply had this question in mind.

I am the second owner of a 2001 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab Prerunner. My truck is in need of a new paint job due to the paint being faded or peeling badly. I have these gold emblems on the tailgate of my Tacoma. My question is: Were these emblems a factory option, or were they an aftermarket option that the previous owners had done? I have never seen any other tacoma with this type of colored emblem. With that in mind, I was afraid that my tailgate emblems were going to crack or the emblems would be too old to be put back on after my paint job. I love these gold emblems and they give my taco a unique look.

Here is a picture of my tailgate emblems.

If anybody has any knowledge of my question, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

I don't know about those specific gold emblems being factory, but I do recall Toyota offering gold emblems in the early 2000's.

 

I also thought that, but from every 01-04 Tacoma I have ever seen, no one has those specific gold emblems on their tailgate. I've tried looking online for any tacomas with gold emblems like mine but I have had no luck.

 

I've never seen those either but the letters themselves look authentic. You tried isopropyl alcohol or paint thinner in a corner or anything?

Also: yes, they do tend to crack/snap upon removal, so treat them like a 500 y/o book

 

Honestly, I have not tried anything or even tamper with them. The emblems aren't like a typical emblem you would see on most Tacomas. They have a rubbery feel to them with a different texture. Plus also I'm not too confident in myself since I've never peeled off emblems before and it'd be a shame if I cracked them.

 

Honestly the tailgate emblem on my 2000 was rubber
Completely destroyed them trying to remove them.
Replacements on Amazon and eBay work great

 

The emblems are soft -- they're not ridged plastic. When removed the "chrome" tends to crack/fall apart since they are soft and removal bends them. They can't really be removed and reused while maintianing the nice look. Factory are no longer available. Someone on ebay has nice replicas, but not for all emblems -- no SR5, V6, etc. You might check with that ebay seller to see if a batch of gold versions could be made. good luck --

 

Thank you for the information, everybody. It is such a shame they crack upon removal. The only emblems that were at least decently priced were the door emblems and the "prerunner' emblem on the tailgate. I'm going to try my best to find a batch of gold versions but I doubt anyone has them. With that in mind, I'm not sure if I should go forward with a new paint job and have my tailgate emblems removed or not proceed with a paint job and having my tailgate emblems saved. What are your guys' opinions?

 

The emblems are worthless if they're stuck to a paint job that's falling off..
Again, if you're careful, you can get them off. Use dental floss and work them very slowly

 

You got me there . I'll definitely proceed with a new paint job and try my best to remove my tailgate emblems. Thank you for your suggestion

 

This video, at time mark 12:04, shows a few emblem removal techniques. I would second the recommended dental floss as mentioned above over the razor. Also of note are that the emblems in the video are gold and were part of the Limited package for the 1998 subject Tacoma.

 

Thank you for the information By any chance do you know the measurements or does someone know the measurements of all tacoma emblems on a 2001 toyota tacoma. thank you.

 

my vote is don't paint it and let that natural patina form over time

 

Interesting take

 

will this work? Hopefully it's clear enough. It's not specifically for 2001 but I think emblem placement is the same for all 1st gen model years.

 

You could always have some vinyl ones made in gold. The 95-97 rear badges were all vinyl. I can make you some. PM me if you are interested.

My tailgate that I redid:

 

That should work, thank you for those pictures.

 

Looks good, I will PM you for sure if I'm interested.

 

James Dean Creations has been mentioned on here a couple of times in past with good results - his design looks the same as Fantastic11's above, but his 95-96 one is slightly different with a little line running along the bottom. I got reproduction ones off eBay this summer and was able to get all 3 SR5, V6, Tacoma and TOYOTA emblems. In all it was like $150. I'll DM you the seller, but they're out of the Tacoma one right now - maybe ask when it might come back?
Also since you're repainting, the emblems on the front doors are reusable unless they're all ugly. Scrape off the glue with a plastic razor and Goo Gone, then get some 3M automotive trim tape from the parts store when putting them back on.