Tailgate Storage Mod

Has anyone tried [edit: something similar to] this tailgate storage mod?

Storage space in first gen DCs is hard to come by and this looked like a reasonable modification for storing small items like tools, jumper cables, couple thousand rounds of ammo, or whatever.

 

Dude!!!

I want!

 

Holy crap that's amazing. I feel like you'd need to extend or weld an extension box for it to be of any use though.

 

If you figure out how to make it work on our trucks you should post it here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/your-unique-mod-on-the-1st-gens.118241/

 

I feel like its doable, but you wont get much space out of it. You have the rods that need free play, so you would only be able to store stuff above and below those. Maybe...

 

I believe it's a Land Cruiser. It was for illustrative purposes. I know 1st gen tailgates are limited internally by the latch mech and two support pieces, but I think there is still a solution in there, albeit with less capacity than shown in the photo.

 

Doesn't look like there's any room. You'd have to seriously compromise the structural integrity of the tailgate to fit something, and when you do there's basically zero place.

I could see someone fabricating an external toolbox and mounting it to the tailgate, but not using the tailgate itself. If you're at that point I'd rather use the space under the bed rails for more stability and space.

 

I like this idea. Gives me something to mess around with in solid works class

 

The tailgate is pretty shallow, but deep enough for things like flairs, straps, bungees, things of that nature. Possibly some sort of drop-in to take advantage of the void.

 

There's some space, but you'd need to cut into the structure of the tailgate to do this. I mean it could work, but the space that you would have it incredibly negligible. If you look at the Land Cruiser tailgate it's a lot more deep than the Tacoma tailgate.

 

Right. Doing something like the LC would take extensive modification. But I think you could do three small compartments between the two internal supports and not compromise the structure. It would really only store small items. I have things hanging in a cargo net behind the back seat that could go in there. I don't much care for the cargo net approach for storage.

 

Yeah you're right.

I have a toolbox so something like this doesn't really make logical sense. If someone can pull it off it would be a pretty cool mod! Good place for jumper cables and stuff.

 

There are two internal supports spot welded in three places (red lines) and a small support in the center with a single spot weld (red dot).

It's about 1-3/4" deep at that opening. I think with the proper tools, motivation, and a sacrificial tailgate to work out the design on, I could come up with something.

 

I'm coming from the 1st gen double cab five-f**king-foot bed perspective. Storage is at a premium. For rarely used small items, it could be a viable spot if done right.

 

Hell I like the idea for a AC 6 foot second gen truck and we have the bed side bin. I own a cabinet shop and move cabinets and pieces quite regulary and it would be nice to have a place to keep my straps there and my side bins with my recovery gear

 

I'm all over this when a solution pops up. I remember reading and seeing the pics of the cruisers with this on ih8mud. I love it. Like 2beers said, be perfect for lightweight smaller stuff that won't rattle or be affected by moisture, etc. Plus, you know the old adage, out of sight out of mind.

 

What about the area below that cutout?...maybe cutting it out would give you more space without the rods being in the way.

 

Depending on what material and dimensions of the cover for the storage, it could actually reinforce the tailgate, too. That could be a huge plus, two birds with one stone.