Everything You Need To Know About Auto Tailgate Trim

The Tailgate is the pickup’s most sought after part and it is vulnerable to the most damage in a daily workhorse, such is the pickup truck and there’s no denying that. So celebrate your tailgate by adorning it with a Tailgate Trim or more commonly known as Tailgate Applique that will highlight the entire back. With so many pickups on the road and plenty looking just like yours, a need for customization is crucial and the sheet metal expanse on the back of a tailgate just begs for some. Chrome-plated is perhaps what says the most bling for the buck and is a popular choice.

The trim on the tailgate goes on the back of the truck across the entire rear section.

Tailgate is an essential part of the truck and many trim pieces are used to add protection while also enhancing its appearance. The types of tailgate trims are:

1. Tailgate Mouldings - These are placed on high-wearing places on the tailgate like the upper section and serve to protect the tailgate and also act as a styling feature.
2. Tailgate Applique - These run across the rear section of the tailgate and are used to enhance the appearance of the vehicle in the rear section while also protecting the tailgates metal surfaces.
3. Tailgate Seal - Seals run across the tailgate and the truck bed to prevent water and dust from entering the bed when the tonneau cover is on.

Tailgate trims greatly enhance the look of the entire rear section of the pickup. Chrome-plated trims are made with the highest quality ABS plastic that is durable and lasts a long time without any signs of deterioration. While providing a distinctive look to the car they can also act as protection against the elements and ever-changing weather conditions. A healthy addition to any pickup truck enthusiast a tailgate trim shows your love for your truck.

These are usually made of plastic or rubber as they are an expandable trim piece on the truck and with sustained usage can get deteriorated and weathered due to the elements and daily abuse. Some have chrome plating for added styling that will scrape off after long and can decrease the overall look of the car while reducing protection. These appliques are usually applied to the most protruding section of the tailgate which makes them the first line of defense against any scratches and bruises from cargo hauling and other activities, which can render them cracked and broken with prolonged use.

After long the tailgate trims on the truck will show signs of deterioration and lose its strength and can fall off the door due to the glue being dried up. They also crack on impacts. These are mainly used for protection purposes and hence replacing them would not only increase protection but also enhance the overall styling of the vehicle.

To avoid scratching or grooving the tailgate and its paint while removing the trim pieces and to refit it, make sure to use the following tools:

• Glove
• Heat Gun
• Screwdriver
• Plastic Scraper

Most of the people have a nature to avoid risk and seek safety. That is the reason why they would go with a familiar auto parts brand than a new one. It would prove to be safe and they know what to expect. Have a look at our top brands for Tailgate Trim which would offer safety and at the same time decrease the risk of disappointment.

Putco Lighting Tailgate Trim

To customize the look of your truck by adding a decorative yet protective layer to the body parts that are vulnerable to damage and enhance their appearance consider other such Chrome Trim parts:

• Taillight Bezel
• Tailgate Mouldings
• Tailgate Handle
• Tailgate Handle Cover
• Door Sill Protector
• Fuel Door
• Vehicle Window Trim
• Side-View Mirror Covers
• Car Emblem
• Tailgate Handles
• Headlight Bezel
• Car Door Trim
• Body Panel Trim
• Body Side Moulding

Protective mouldings on every part of the vehicle are sacrificial elements that serve to protect the bodywork and paint of the vehicle from scratches, dings and dents and hence require no maintenance but replacement after prolonged use. The Tailgate Trims can be found in many different materials like ABS plastic, polished stainless steel, rubber or chrome-plated and the price may vary accordingly. Smaller trim pieces can be about 10$ and go up to 200$ for bigger, more decorative and protective trims.

Heres how to remove the Tailgate Trim from your truck and install a new one. Make sure to use the right tools to avoid damaging tailgate. Follow these steps:

• If the tailgate comes with an applique then use a plastic scraper and insert it between the tailgate and the applique and gently scrape off the trim from the tape underneath. This will require a little persistence but should come right off. Alternatively, you can use a heat gun or a hairdryer to heat the surface of the trim which will warm up the glue and help reduce the effort required to remove the trim.
• Once the trim is off and if the tape is still adhered to the surface of the vehicle, use a plastic scraper to remove all the gunk before installing the new trim.
• If installing new, then you may require removing the emblem on the back of the tailgate. These are also stuck on using tape, so follow the above steps to remove the emblems and then proceed with installing the applique.
• Remove the backing tape on the trim and carefully place it in position on the tailgate. Apply a little pressure to make sure the adhesion is strong.