Tailgate Ideas

[SirHamblett]

Has anyone ever done anything different than just using the stock tailgate or abulance doors? What I mean is has anyone thought of fabricating a pneumatic/automatic door that lifts up or a one piece swing out door? The reason I'm asking is because I've had issues with the window motor (like everybody else). I replaced the gear and had everything working great. Now it doesn't want to move. I believe the motor/regulator may be burnt out.

So instead of finding a way to replace the motor, I was thinking of something completely different. Maybe I could come up with a fiberglass deal that can be mounted on the top of the door frame. Any thoughts...

 

[surfpig]

I love my tailgate! It's my kitchen most of the time...

I think getting it to work right will be far cheaper and better than any liftgate.

But I'm a Luddite.

 

[CruiserMax]

This would be a major undertaking.

I would really look into doing more research first. Check out the old 55 list archives. From what I remember the problems with Pig tailgates are seldom due to a burnt out motor. Tripple check the gear, fuse, voltage and wiring. Check for obstructions, check for everything. In most cases these gloomy looking problems usually have a straight forward solution. The actual motor is usually OK...

Max

 

[clemson55]

I welded my tailgate shut theres an option for you. I'm going to build a storage compartment into it at some point though.

 

[CruiserMax]

A few years ago there was the mother of all FJ55 tailgate articles written up in the Toyota Trails. Very detailed. Maybe worth looking for...

There are only so many things that usually go wrong with the tailgate. I remember a few years back some guy was convinced his motor was malfunctioning. He could not get the glass to go up all the way. Turns out he had a piece of crud jammed into the weather stripping channel. Once discovered all it took to fix was a flick of a screwdriver and problem solved...


Max

 

[Wayneraintree]

The Toyota Trails article is :

2004 May/June by Gary Schmauch, An FJ55 Rear Window Primer

 

[redrock 73FJ55]

my rear window motor has only worked a few times- and usually when I'm cruising down a bumpy dirt road out on the BLM... any ideas?

 

[tonkota]

Lift gates are for mini vans and mall SUVs.

I couldn't imagine a Pig with a lift gate. It'd be weird. If anything, find some ambulance doors.

That article is pretty good. I marked it before I even had a Pig.

 

[inkpot]

Howdy! I had a terrible time getting mine to work consistantly. Finally eliminated/replaced everything else, so I wired past the safety switch on the driver's side door frame. Due to weather stripping and dry cracking plastic issues, the switch was not always depressed. No switch = no problem. Added benefit: I can now run window out to wash glass on both sides when tailgate is open. Just be careful, as it can and will go tooooooo far if your a bit slow on the key. John

 

[chalmic]

The Toyota Trails article is :

2004 May/June by Gary Schmauch, An FJ55 Rear Window Primer

Anyone actually have the article that htey scan and post?
I can find it on the archives, but no link to it.
Thanks,

 

[chalmic]

The Toyota Trails article is :

2004 May/June by Gary Schmauch, An FJ55 Rear Window Primer

Anyone actually have the article that they can scan and post?
I can find it on the archives, but no link to it.
Thanks,

 

[hatchman]

you can say that again!