WTH is up with the interior colors?

I haven't been able to find the correct color replacement door handle for the life of me (2000 TRD "Oak"). Purchased an OEM door handle from the dealer a few years ago and it's much darker than it should be, now my driver side just exploded and I need to replace that as well.

Mid production year the shape changed but the color looks correct. However, the one that matches my VIN is much darker. Anyone know WTF is going on here? Seems like we might be stuck with this darker "oak" version since that's all they make as a replacement.

Piece of the OEM handle that exploded, next to the dealer replacement that's too dark:



Top is the best color match, but wrong shape/style, bottom is "OEM" for my truck but too dark.


Pic from the web of what it should look like:

 

It could be that that your oem plastic has faded over time.

It could also be that a lot of places list the darker color under the same color code, even though it's supposed to be different. "E0" at the end of the part number is the color. These range from E0-E3. With that said, this part is not as simple as changing it to E1 or E2 since those parts don't seem to exist.

 

Honestly, I would just switch to the newer style handle that is a closer color match. That's what I did when one broke. Then I just changed out the entire door panel to 01-04 haha.

 

Will the newer style not fit in the older door panel? I was thinking to purchasing both and returning what doesn't work.

 

Newer style fits older panels. That's what I did before I swapped the panels.

 

I search for good, used parts on this forum, eBay, Marketplace, and junkyards. Haven’t had a “match” problem yet.

 

Bought some on eBay a while ago and non OEM immediately broke. Total POS. Tried looking at the junk yard last time and they were all cracked. :/

Going to order a few from the dealer and see what looks the best. Guessing the newer version with a better color match will likely be the winner.

 

I was told by my local dealer that a lot of the color options for the 1st gen are being discontinued right now

 

The newest 1g is now 20 yrs old.

OE parts will get rarer and aftermarket repops will be kind of limited because of lack of demand.

Maybe you know someone with a 3d printer that could make a strong one......

 

I have a 3d printer sitting right next to me, but I'm not great at CAD. Well, mostly really just slow at and not worth the time.

 

change them both and it's not too noticeable. Don't forget when looking for parts that Toyo. used the same things for lots of models. Old Corollas use the same handles

 

I've had so many issues with these damn door handles I gave up trying to keep them matched..

 

The 2001-2004 door panels are far better. They fit for one exception, they use (5x7?) speakers instead of the round ones. One of the best upgrades to my truck was the newer panels, feels better on the arms.

Problem is the colors are different from 95-00 and 01-04.

 

paint it yourself:

$45 SEM 15223, Castella, Color Coat, Vinyl Paint (2)

https://www.amazon.com/15223-Castella-Color-Vinyl-Paint/dp/B081TDJZDD

 

Perfect if you like layer lines on your door handles. haha. Joking aside, you may be able to make some decent ones through resin printing, but damn it would take a LOT of work.

I personally don't think that all the chinese knock-off door handles are terrible. Some of them are just fine.

 

I believe dorman makes these.....and they sell those everywhere...


dorman 1999 tacoma door handles interior - Bing images

dorman 1999 tacoma door handles interior oak - Bing - Shopping


I guess this is the newer oem version?????

dorman 1999 tacoma door handles interior oak - Bing - Shopping

 

Nope, sorry. I went through four fuse covers trying to get a decent match. Wound up sending the spares to a member here LOL