Stolen tailgate

Perfect! I've been looking for a lock but they all have terrible reviews and are universal fit on Amazon. Just placed my order for this. Thanks!

 

I’ve added a hose clamp on the right side of the tailgate where it detaches. It doesn’t really make it thief proof but it’s an extra step they have to go through to get it and if they’re in a rush trying to do it in a public parking lot or something it’ll make it more work, plus they’ll need a screwdriver to undo it! Plus it was only like $2 to do, I’d suggest everyone do it just to make them work harder for that tailgate

 

Do you have a picture for reference?

 

If you're in california and have reason to believe it is stolen and still purchase it and then it does turn out stolen, you are receiving stolen property/in possession of stolen property... a felony. You can call the local law enforcement or state troopers and run a vin # from the tailgate and see if it has any hits.

 

I’ll have to take a picture when I get off work but I’ll put on up in about 2 1/2 hours

 

I have found that just setting up the meeting place at the Sheriff Station tends to deter unwanted transactions. I have made several craigslist transactions and most will meet you, but I have had a couple back out when I say lets meet at the Sheriff Station.

 

It's stolen! You're supporting the very people that stole yours.

 

Here's a pic of the clamp mod. Too easy not to do.

 

I have a 1999 and it has a bolt on either side . did Toyota change the hinge design ? I don't see how a hose clamp would work on mine . am I missing something ?

 

So the left side won’t come out unless it’s pulled sideways (towards the right of the truck) and not up. The right side pulls up then you pull the left side out. The clamp prevents the right side from being pulled up, therefore the left side cannot come out. I’m not sure about the design on a 99’ but it seems to be the same for the second and third gens.

 

Can you close the tailgate with that thing in there, or is this for people who leave it open with a bed extender all the time?
I was thinking that locking the tailgate, the hose clamp and maybe changing the cables from those quick release tabs to a closed loop would help.

 

Damn that sucks. I always keep mine locked.....not that you cant bypass that easily.

If you're going to buy used without a key it's probably stolen....bring your key with you, maybe it'll be yours?

 

Yes you can close the tailgate. Function of the tailgate remains the same. I use this and it is great. I used to manually lock/unlock my tailgate every time I used it. Now I just leave it unlocked. I wanted full access to my tailgate even if the truck is locked (so pop-n-lock wouldn’t work for me).

 

Cool, thanks for that!
I've been doing the key thing.

 

Any downside to putting superglue on both ends to further slow thieves down?

 

It will crack and likely just deteriorate through heat and moisture.

 

I had a buddy that had his truck stolen. He got a call 300 miles away two weeks later that his truck was found.

Interestingly the tailgate was a replacement of a different color.

I wondered if it was to throw off any cops looking for a stolen truck, but I like to believe the thief had the tailgate stolen off the stolen truck and had to pay for a replacement.

 

Steal one back j/k. Me personally i would NOT file claim 1k deductible. Insurance carrier are frugal that claim follows u next 5 yrs increase premium. $300-350 on craigslist if you dont mind waiting for color condition. Id just leave it or get net. $1 hose clamp man!!! most likely it could be someone u knew that stole it.

 

How about clamp and loctite?

 

Sure anything that help slow down thieves. Security bolt/key better than flat/phillips. This is quick grab if they cant theyll move onto next. Ultimately if they really wanted theyll find ways to take it like any crook or u could pay for jimmi jammer or other similar locks but its just a fancy hose clamp
https://jimmijammer.com/Product, GK.htm

Master Lock Tailgate Lock, Stainless Steel, 8253DAT

McGard 76029 Tailgate Lock, Black