Tailgate Bolt Stripped

Somewhere in the 20 years my truck has been in existence, someone removed and partially stripped the left tailgate bolt. Last time it was put back it was obviously not supposed to come off but I did some paint work that required it to be removed. So I’m stuck with a bolt that won’t go on and stripped threads on the body side. Does anyone know what the size of the stock bolt is? I’m going to fix it correctly with a helicoil but I can’t find a size for it anywhere.

Also please do good work on your car for owners later. Much appreciated.

Gen 1 2004 Tacoma.

 

Take off the taillight and get rid of the tack welded nut; then just use a nut an bolt. Had a similar problem, use the search function

 

nah, don't bother. Just cut the old stripped bolt and put a new bolt and nut in its place. That's what I have done and you don't even feel and notice it

The only thing is that you will now need to remove the tail light to access the nut. It's just 4 small screws to remove it, so no big deal...