DIY Tacoma Tailgate Cover/Skin

In this video I replaced the factory corrugated plastic tailgate cover with a smooth 1/4" piece of HDPE. It was an easy DIY I should have done long ago!

[@idahomountainelk]

Nice work! I too, got tired of spilling my Banquets and made one out of some scrap plywood and stained it black. I got some stainless cup holders and installed those.

[@davekana8388]

I need to rebond the same parts. I was thinking of using JB Weld. What did you use? Did you bond to the painted surfaces or clean to bare metal? Thanks, Dave.

[@angell6425]

I actually do need a couple of the ridges for my build but wish there was a way to put some flat piece of food grade sheet metal on some segment of the tailgate. Not remove and replace it entirely

[@brendonshave7776]

Epic bro! How thick is the piece used?

[@Hansaman58]

What size is that sheet of HDPE please? Excellent project. Looks great! I know the original panel slips underneath something on the tailgate.

[@kendingsor]

I got a 1/4" x 24" x 55" sheet on eBay but I'd call around to local plastic suppliers to see if they have an offcut that may fit first. It does have a pit of flex if kneeling in certain spots but I use it more for sitting, cooking, and setting drinks while camping than real heavy duty use.

[@winstongoodman3244]

Where to purchase the product???

[@davekana8388]

What adhesive did you use on the metal braces? Thanks.

[@kendingsor]

I used some left over 2 part 3m panel bonding foam I had from work at the time. It's expensive ($60) to buy a tube new and you need a special gun and a mixing applicator tip.

[@davekana8388]

@@kendingsor 3M stuff is great, lucky you! What did you use to clean up before use of the product? Thanks for the reply, much appreciated, Dave.

[@kendingsor]

@@davekana8388 just some acetone

[@davekana8388]

@@kendingsor thank you for answering my questions.👍

[@thomashathaway3534]

Nice touch. One of those things you don't think of until you spill something. RE: shaving down the “bumpers” so the tailgate will close completely. Could you use a Forstner bit, slightly larger than the diameter of the bumpers, to cut a shallow relief in the HDPE to give clearance for the bumpers? RE: losing a part ten seconds after removing it. You have my sympathy. Been there, and done that many times.

[@richardniclas4650]

We're did you purchase the HDPE?

[@kendingsor]

I got that piece on ebay but I called some local plastic suppliers first to see if they had any offcuts, sometimes people get lucky with that.

[@TheMbn1972]

Does the HDPE tailgate skin flex more than the OEM skin?

[@kendingsor]

Yes it does a bit. It also gets a little softer sitting in the sun but even with my 240# kneeling on it, the deflection is manageable and hasn't been an issue

[@TheMbn1972]

@@kendingsor thanks for the information, it's much appreciated

[@golfnutgtg]

where did you get the plastic

[@kendingsor]

I purchased it on eBay but I checked local plastic suppliers for offcuts that may have worked first.

[@DuanDao]

Lol I'm like you I'd rather build it than buy it just so I can have more tools too add to my collection

[@fishy-jq3et]

Hi