So, I'm playing with the tailgate of my recently-acquired 89 4Runner, learning which wires go where with the help of the excellent factory electrical manual (a must have in addition to the standard factory repair manual).

I'm standing outside, bent over and looking in and down into the bowels of the tailgate.

Suddenly, I froze in astonishment. I couldn't believe my eyes.

Wow! The tailgate is made of the same stuff as my BOOTS!

Oh...no it's not. I can just see my boots thru the rusted out bottom of the tailgate.

It might have been the hardest I've ever laughed while doing automotive work.