Metal Tailgate Handle in development

EDIT: It’s here! https://amzn.to/42dGtTx

I contacted T1A who makes the metal door handles for 1st Gen Tacomas asking about making a metal tailgate handle. Here is my message to them:

Email Subject:
Metal Tailgate Handle Request 95-04 Tacoma
Body:
Hello,

I recently installed your metal door handles on my 1999 Toyota Tacoma. They are an excellent upgrade from the plastic handles that break over time.

I am emailing to request that you develop a metal TAILGATE handle similar to the door handles for the 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma. The tailgate handle is actually weaker and receives more force in use than the door handles. I know that these would sell very well based off of the feedback on the Tacomaworld.com forum. I repeatedly see links to the metal door handles shared on the forum, and I repeatedly see people posting pictures of them installed. If you were to develop a metal tailgate handle, I would definitely share and encourage others to purchase it.

Thank you,

Noah
​

And their response:


So it looks like we will have a metal tailgate handle in the next few months!

 

Would that fix a tailgate that doesn't close unless I hold up the handle while I push it shut? Or is that a latch issue

 

That's most likely a latch/striker issue. The the tapered latch piece that is in the tailgate needs to retract to catch onto the striker on the sides of the bed. It sounds like yours is not retracting when hitting the side of the bed.

 

What about DC rear door handles?

 

I didn’t think of that, but I suggest contacting them and asking. They got back to me within an hour. https://trubuilt1.com/pages/contact-us

 

done, I’ll update with their reply
Thanks

 

Rear door handles for the double cab are also in development. Contacted them and was told 3-4 months for metal, and plastic are on back order.

 

Anyone know if there's an update on the tailgate handle? Mine just broke today and this looks like a good solution

 

Thanks for the reminder, I just emailed them back asking if they have any update.

 

Luis responded already with a prototype photo. He said it’s going into production this month.

 

Awesome news thank you!

 

How about tell him to make a locking model and he will get the price he puts on it.

Already got the pop lock add on with my plastic one I just replaced. Is a pain to install, takes some patience.

 

I'm not sure they sell locking handles at all. I personally have the electronic pop and lock, so I wouldn't want a physical key lock.

 

Was my point. If they did sell a complete unit instead of having to whittle down the add on pop and lock for it to fit, it would be worth the price. They would have the corner market because no one sells a complete unit for 1st gens like that. At least I haven’t seen it. Power or manual keyed. And at around $50 the pop and lock is overpriced for what you get. So a complete metal component unit that bolts/screws in and done would be worth more like $100 to me, manual keyed. Never mind, I sent them a message myself.

 

Hey guys, any news on the metal handles?
Can I got the contact info for the company making them?
Thanks

 

Trubuilt1.com

No news and haven’t seen it yet. I contacted them via website and suggested making a locking version. Said they’d look into it.

 

I followed up with them last month and they said they are still working on it.

 

Saw this on their website, but it shows out of stock. I haven't heard any updates from them via email, so it's probably a place holder.
https://trubuilt1.com/products/meta...ftgate-lock-latch?_pos=7&_sid=9f5fb6b38&_ss=r

 

This is ballin, Brock!!! Thanks for sharing. I need one.