Tail Gate Panel options

20% off right now.

 

I made me tailgate panel with some extra 1/2” king starboard (marine grade) I had lying around from my rear seat delete.

I simply used the extg plastic panel as a template then used a router to take the edges down to a 1/4”. Was pretty simple, starboard can be cut with regular wood working tools.

 

I have the mountain hatch and got it on sale. But I’m not totally impressed after less than a month- one of the screws popped the clip along the bottom (near bed side) today and now I can put pressure down like a slight bubble. One of the screws next to it is about to pop up. They should of took just a bit more material out of the bottom row screw recesses because they barely grab any threads (literally 1-2). The only thing I’d like to add to that screw popping out is I have taken the panels on/off at least a dozen times so it’s likely the clips were 90% toast at this point. I bought more clips and I’ll replace all 16 and see what happens. The design, oem like texture, etc I really like but those shallow screw recesses are crap (their excuse was for fear of cracking the plastic if it was too thin) I find that hard to believe specifically on the bottom row… on the sides yes.

I had the misfits panel prior and felt that the screws not only lined up better but they actually grabbed threads (panel may have not been quite as thick either) no problem and had no problem on the bottom row screw recesses with less material and cracking. The corner (near tailgate cap) did crack but screw was still effective (which may have been my fault due to over tightening it).

I personally wouldn’t diy a piece of plastic unless I had a router and jig to make everything perfect but that’s me. The finished texture also wouldn’t be same quality as the mt. Hatch And the thickness I believe is 1/2”. I also didn’t want any of the metal options but those ridges had to go.

 

That’s probably the cleanest diy I’ve seen

 

I just went to my local "tap plastic" store gave them my tailgate and have them trace me one! with no ribs. HDPE board 1/4 thick

 

Man, seriously. I have a chair cushion for the wife and me for just cruising at the beach. Waaaay more comfortable than those panels of whatever they are.

 

I installed the begrug mat that extends to the tailgate. It is pretty comforable to sit on, it doesn't get hot, stuff doesn’t slide around as much in the back, and I don’t scuff up the bed with having it.

 

One thing I like about the Mobtown skin I have is that you can order it with replacement rivnuts and hardware, instead of the plastic nuts that are stock. To me, that upgrade feels like it adds a lot of structural stiffness to the tailgate, it definitely flexes less when I step up onto the edge of the tailgate now. But if you go that way, definitely spend the 20 bucks on a rivnut tool. Doing the first half dozen without was painful, and didn't seat them as tightly.

 

you say this, but then you get it, and you're like 'oh man, why did i wait so long to purchase this...'

 

this is what i had made.

 

Good idea. Where did you source the rubber?...he he

 

Thanks man
It was fun little project, as long as you have a router, saw, some clamps and patience you can get it done

 

I was planing to do the same, what did they charge?

 

I paid $40 for the board and another $40 for services. and they charged $1 for each hole drill (16 holes) i did that myself.

 

eBay

 

Yeah, the rivnuts were not a fun experience, glad they sent a few extras

 

I'd recommend finding longer screws, your local hardware store should have a hardware aisle and someone that can point you in the right direction.

 

I don't totally understand the utility of this mod. But I can appreciate the ingenuity I've seen along the way in this thread.

I personally use my tailgate as a workbench and appreciate the divots to keep my nuts/bolts/screws organized while working on the truck or my bike.

 

My ass prefers flat to grooved

 

I haven’t tried to search it yet but if you already happen to know the size of the smaller screws. I’d definitely prefer an oem style though to keep it similar