Tailgate replacement options?

I am doing some research to figure out the best way to go about replacing the tailgate on the truck I just bought.

My paint and clear coat is in great condition on the rest of the truck.

An exact copy might be hard to find in a junkyard with good paint; how good are the aftermarket tailgates? Is it hard to find the decals to make it stock again? Any recommendations?

 

Find a good one in the Salvage yard. Take it to a Body Shop for prep and paint to match your truck. The body shop can apply decals or emblems of your choice.

Install on truck.

You chances of finding a good tailgate that matches the paint/decals/emblems on your truck is pretty slim. If you order a tailgate, it will likely be primed, some may provide a painted gate, but you need to provide your truck's paint code.

 

Thanks Knute. I’ll start looking.

 

Any thoughts on salvage yard tail gates vs the non-oem/aftermarket new ones that are on eBay?

 

where are you located? There is a red tacoma sitting outside a body shop with a wrecked front end but perfectly good rear parts near me in Nashville.

Edit: nvm, I see the california plates now. You shouldn't have any issues finding one in a salvage yard somewhere

 

If you were closer I would buy your old one much better shape then mine is.

Making a new one is on the project list some place down the road.

 

Frankly, I don't have a lot of faith on parts on Fleecebay.

Hit the salvage yards first. Many are connected to a network of other yards. You may be able to "order" from another yard to be delivered to you or your salvage yard.

 

Hey, that'll buff out!

 

If you are from California try this link. Guys are helpfull and easy to deal with. Goodluck with your tailgate. http://www.ranchotoyotatruckparts.com/toyota-tacoma.html

 

Try car-part.com.

 

I would stick to finding a used oem tailgate. I have heard that the aftermarket ones are made with thinner gauge steel.

 

I use this all the time. Be careful though- I ordered headrests for my 03 and got 96-00 versions with a “tweed like” material not the velour like that I need.

not that that would be the case with the tailgate.

 

My 02 DC is Super White, so found a painted tailgate from Amazon for $170. Yes, you find cheaper, it just depends on your location and level of finish that you desire

TAILGATE PAINTED 040 Super White TO1900106 FOR 1995-2004 TOYOTA TACOMA STANDARD BED

Autosdepo TAILGATE PAINTED Super White TO1900106 FOR 1995-2004 TOYOTA TACOMA STANDARD BED

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B8WTVCM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NVCKFb73NDE2Z?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

the fit and finish is great. But, I didn’t transfer the letters (like OP).

 

Try this site.
I bought a new one for my '03 and it fits perfectly.
The painting process in CA is costly unfortunately.
https://parts.toyota.com/p/Toyota__Tacoma/Tailgate-Rear/63070631/6570104013.html