Restoring the bed storage box on 2020 tacoma

Decided to share how I brought back the storage box on my 2020 Tacoma. I began with finding a guy on ebay selling the OEM storage box for $5 with $45 shipping. $50 is a steal compared to what they are to order from Toyota. I removed the passenger side box and outlet to measure where the hole was located. I then used tape to mask out the hole on the opposite side.
Now for the fun part, cutting the bed. You're gonna want some good cutting tools because this bed is nasty to cut. Pretty much cutting fiberglass. I would highly recommend safety glasses, a mask or respirator, and gloves.
I started cutting it with a vibrating multi tool but the composite ended up toasting my blade really fast so I had to move to a sawzall, which didn't cut as nice but still worked. After a really rough cut I opened up the hole until the box would fit. I used 2 1/2 holes on the sides to give clearance for the 2 tabs that need to stick into the bed. I guess I could've also just cut them off the box.
With the box snuggly in the hole, it was easy to drill out the 6 pilot holes using the box as a jig. For threads, I used rivet nuts as it was much easier than trying to hold a nut on the backside, and it's the way it's done OEM. Final product came out really good, very satisfied with the end result.

 

What year did the Toyota bean counters take that drivers side box away?

 

Outstanding. For a 2020 you must be out there busting that ass. Good on you. You're winning this game we call life.
Zim

 

Very nice! Do you have the part number for the driver side bed storage?

 

I believe 2019

 

I'm not sure, I saw it in some other threads. I think it's like $300 OEM. I would try to get one on eBay or find one on a totaled parts vehicle from a junk yard or something.

 

People actually use the small bed box? It’s so cramped in there. I have two full size ones I never use and water and dirt keeps getting in there.

 

Nice work!

 

I keep ratchet straps in the small passengers side. And sometimes a spare pair of junk shoes in the long compartment.

 

That turned out Great and looks like it came Factory.

 

Yeah it's nice to keep straps in there. I'm not going to deny extra storage

 

Nice work, I usually put straps and rope inside of a ziploc bag before putting them in there then they dont get wet or dirty.

 

Nice job! I have them but could not figure out how to waterproof them. I tried the waterproofing tape but not a good solution. I plan on just installing a waterproof switch for bed lighting. On one side. Any ideas?

 

I like this. Would be cool to have two large ones instead of one large and one small in my 2017. Been thinking about relocating my air compressor to the bed due to overheating issues in my engine bay (yes the hood is open, but California is hot this time of year).

 

I just run the OEM bed lighting with an off/door/on switch in the cab.