For Canadians comment:

Have you imported body parts into Canada? And if so, how harsh is the duty hit. Or have you had work done in the US?

I have an 89 4x4, and have found a source for rust free body panels.
Given that after 1990, Toyota trucks were built at the NUMMI plant in Fremont, California, will body parts that will fit my 89 4x4 duty free because they are covered by NAFTA?

Can I go to the US and install a rust free box, and drive back across the border without trouble, with a couple rust free fenders?

 

when i lived in Barfalo, NY in the late 90's my tacoma tailgate got munched and ended up picking up a replacement in Ontario...took the old one off before the trip, installed it up there, they didn't bat an eye..

89-95.5 will fit your truck, as far as dealing with import fees swapping the bed at the source of the replacement would be a good idea..might eliminate some hassles over hauling one back..

when i replaced the bed on my 84 it took me about an hour, it helped to have a tractor to lift it off, but 2-3 people could lift one off, as long as you don't run into a ton of rust.. might cut access holes in the floor of the bed to make sure you bolts will come free..soak the crap out of the with PB 40 or whatever rust release agent of your choice..

 

My understanding is that duty only applies to new auto parts produced outside of NAFTA and even then the duty rate isn't that high.
No duty applies to USED parts.

NOTE: Having parts installed and work done in the US "could" cause you to pay duty on the value of the ENTIRE vehicle. For example if you get new tires installed in the US you might have to pay duty on the total value of the vehicle. This is rare but it is possible. Usually happens if the owner doesn't declare and border services get upset

I've had no problem bringing parts over the line but I bring them in as parts and install them when I'm home.