I grabbed a set of the lights at Costco for 19 bux.
My Tailgate Storage Project (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter Aloha Jen
- Start date
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Very nice mod with a quality appearance.
Thanks for the pictures and write up.
My only add to this would be to use some expanding foam to create a barrier between cargo and the body panel. (Household insulation product). Use some sort of box and cellophane to press in and form the foam to create the useable space.
On the other hand maybe a modified styrofoam cooler could do the job also.
Either way, love the idea with the deck lids.
Thanks for the pictures and write up.
My only add to this would be to use some expanding foam to create a barrier between cargo and the body panel. (Household insulation product). Use some sort of box and cellophane to press in and form the foam to create the useable space.
On the other hand maybe a modified styrofoam cooler could do the job also.
Either way, love the idea with the deck lids.
NLXTACY
Wits' End
Expanding foam would suck. I just used Dynamat and it's been perfect. Cuts noise and is thin.
Wonderful write up and Idea. This is being added to my list for the 80. Thanks
LS1FJ40
SILVER Star
It's an 80! Why so concerned about a little noise?!?! Meh
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
BECAUSE it's an 80
only the finest leather appointed interiors for us... this is a COMFORT oriented land cruiser
For the people who want to see what a bigger hatch opening looks like, and so you can see why you don't get much extra storage, here is another thread on topic. Budget Tailgate Stoarage (Note the poster says he would use a smaller hatch if doing this again, and not cut the bracing.) ...and this is the thread I saved on my "Mods to do" list. Rear tailgate storage solution on $100 budget.. my FAQ attempt #4
Is 15 3/4" x 13 9/16" too big? The Bomar hatch on the left here looks fairly awesome, but doesn't seem to lock. Does look nearly flush. I've got a drawer that scrapes the carpet, so I need to go flush or raise the box. Hmm, price a pair of these and WagonGear looks like a bargain, even before the powder coat...
Bomar - Commercial - Cast Aluminum Inspection Hatches and Deckplates
Bomar - Commercial - Cast Aluminum Inspection Hatches and Deckplates
Jesus... are they aluminum or platinum?
BOAT stands for Bust Out Another Thousand...
Not being sarcastic. Professional is in quotes because it is a clean job but you didn't pay for it.
LINUS
Waiting for the Great Pumpkin
Great results @Aloha Jen! I love that you were able to retain the carpet, I've got mine removed right now and kneeling on the tailgate is a killer!
I've got the OEM rear spare swingarm style lower tailgate, so less interior space, and more reinforcements/brackets inside, so the uber expensive wagongear setup just doesn't make sense for me. But something like this that would allow me to make 2 smaller storage areas could work out really nicely! Or even one if there turns out to be little useable space on one side (I'll have to look closer and see what I'm working with).
I'd love to find something in a darker grey though, keeping my eyes peeled for options.
I've got the OEM rear spare swingarm style lower tailgate, so less interior space, and more reinforcements/brackets inside, so the uber expensive wagongear setup just doesn't make sense for me. But something like this that would allow me to make 2 smaller storage areas could work out really nicely! Or even one if there turns out to be little useable space on one side (I'll have to look closer and see what I'm working with).
I'd love to find something in a darker grey though, keeping my eyes peeled for options.
danadog
Storm Trooper
While looking for some taupe hatches that I could get shipped to canada, I found this. It might be a good option for those wanting a full length hatch.
Jet Technologies 6403-59 Taupe 47 3/4 x 13 5/8 Inch Starboard Boat Ski Locker Door / Hatch 201315 | Great Lakes Skipper
Jet Technologies 6403-59 Taupe 47 3/4 x 13 5/8 Inch Starboard Boat Ski Locker Door / Hatch 201315 | Great Lakes Skipper
1973Guppie
Supporting Vendor
wow, this thing looks perfect, will have to double check some measurements......
That's a great price for a hatch that big, for someone who is willing to cut both braces in the back deck. Since very little of the available storage in the center of the back hatch, I'm inclined to go with the two smaller hatches.
Luke111
Supporting Vendor
I bought one of the Jim Black Hatches in Taupe but ended up having a marine company make one similar to Wagongear
The link has about 30 Jim Black Hatches
Deck Hatches , Jim Black Hatches & Accessories | Great Lakes Skipper
The link has about 30 Jim Black Hatches
Deck Hatches , Jim Black Hatches & Accessories | Great Lakes Skipper
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Finished my pair this afternoon. Easy peasy with all of the help here.
Lol, look at all the likes this post got. Hmmm!
The boat hatch idea is pretty smart.
