Hi all,

So I decided to replace my rusty (at the bottom by the drain holes and the front near the bottom) tailgate on my 86 Toyota Pickup 2wd/base.

I found what every site identified as the correct one for my 1986 model (only could find a few in the US also). This is the one (last one) I purchased from carparts.com (TO1900101 model listed):

Replacement® 1986 Toyota Pickup Base 4 Cyl 2.4L - Tailgate, USA Built Vehicle, Primed 3265

So I received it Thursday, and went to open the box today merely to check for damage. Well, there was a bit of damage (bottom corner folded up, but could be corrected). The main issue was that, although it is the same dimensions overall and all of the mounting hardware locations, hinges, and drain holes match, etc..., the top of it does not have the "rolled" edge that mine has.

If I were to fit this tailgate (and get some compensation for the damage), it would fit, but the top rolled edge would be missing and not match the rest of the bed, not to mention the top side profile of it would not match the upper part of the bed either.

So I guess my questions are several:

-Is the correct tailgate available somewhere? What is it called technically and is there a model number? I could not find a special model number anywhere.

-If not, with a good body man, the bottom of the new tailgate could be cut below the recessed line in the metal and welded to my original one. Would probably be costly though.

-Lastly, the back access panel on mine is a smaller single panel, whereas the access panel on the new one (not included) is a longer single panel.

I have included pics to demonstrate what I am referring to. Two are of my tailgate, with my fingers showing the "rolled" bit. One is of the new one (top only to show difference). One is of the bent corner of the new one! Sorry the pics came out so large!

Before making a decision whether to return the new one (either because it is somewhat listed incorrectly as fitting my 1986 pickup or definitely due to the damage), I thought I would poll the experts!

Thanks,
Julian

 

Hello Jim,

Was still online!

Yes, that is exactly the issue. I did not know that some were built in Japan---and that there was a difference!! For some reason I thought I read somewhere that the beds were added on in the US to avoid what I remember being called the "chicken tax?" (I might be off base on this!).

Anyway, is there a part number for this tailgate? And, if not, what do you think about my idea to graft the bottom of the US tailgate to the bottom of my Japan tailgate? Everything lines up visually I think.

BTW, carparts.com just gave me a full refund and told me to keep the damaged tailgate! Outstanding service and on a Sunday night.....I was impressed.

Julian

 

Thanks Jimkola,

I did a quick search but found nothing. That said I might try searching west coast junkyards......do have friends in So California.

Appreciate your help......if you stumble across a good one ever, let me know!

Thanks,
Julian

 

Toyota pickups are not a dime a dozen in Southern California junk yards. When they do occasionally hit the yards, they are usually stripped of any straight body panels, diffs, engines, and useful parts by the people who work there or by people who buy parts and flip them online.

 

The Toyota trucks do get stripped fast, and I won't bother to go unless I can leave immediately after being notified. Waiting till the next day is too late. And I agree, damage is always a potential issue. But "a dime a dozen " was an exaggeration, my bad. but I do see the STD RN5 drop pretty frequently.

 

That’s frustrating! Maybe check with the seller for a better match?


 

The seller-carparts.com-was very helpful. But, unfortunately, they do not have the Japan variation! At least, worst case, I am fairly confident that a body shop could graft the bottom piece onto my existing tailgate, as it looks identical. No cost on the donor part now!

Julian