New tailgate

I've a decent 2006 Tacoma that has a damaged (and poorly repaired) tailgate, and I'm going to replace it. Doing the mechanical swap is no issue for me, but I cannot paint it myself. I found this site, and it seems about right for getting a decent quality painted part, but I'm open to suggestions. A local body shop quoted me almost $1,700.00, so that's out.

I also need to replace the carpet so if anyone knows the best carpet kit to buy I'd appreciate a recommendation.

https://www.partify.store/products/...jay0TYxcaAsr9EALw_wcB#shopify-product-reviews

 

Check your local craigslist. There’s a guy in my area that always has tailgates for sale.

 

My 2008 had a dent on the top and some scratches. I took it to a local body shop and he repaired and painted for $300.

 

The second photo shows that the tailgate is completely split and has no structural integrity (it flops around like a noodle) so it will never be right. I was hoping that someone had used the place that I linked to or some similar business and could recommend them. Even the rock bottom Ebay place would give me a tailgate that looks and works better than what I have now, but I think I can do better than that.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3505929490...g7iPOsjKB68qrd7TOcfNMVK3fQSt1dAIaAkf4EALw_wcB

 

As someone points out in this thread, those tailgates are very likely stolen. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/best-deal-on-a-replacement-tailgate.328443/

 

The problem with your links are they are most likely not Toyota genuine. Find a local salvage yard that has one and get it repainted if you need to. The body shop you talked to may be able to point you in the right direction.

 

It was only 800 to repaint my hood so no way a tailgate should be that much, find a better body shop

 

I'm in an expensive area in northern California - labor, taxes, rent, environmental fees all add up. One reason I want to get this replaced is so I can use my truck to get out of here.

 

Yesterday on this site there was a post about an aftermarket Tacoma tailgate with built in storage. I wish I could recall under which topic, but pretty sure it was in the 2nd gen forum. Those listed were about $600, but probably not genuine Toyota. Now, many sites I go to those ads pop up! That's the way Google works I guess.