Best option to protect tailgate/above headlights from cap weather stripping?

I bought my second Tacoma a few years back. It is a 2013, white paint. It came with a fiberglass cap that is from a local company that is only so-so quality. But it was free and I've come to like having a cap (hunting, etc). Even if I get rid of it, I'll have to do something about my problem.

The issue is that the rubber seal for the hatch (whatever you call the cap's back glass that swings up) hangs down and vibrates in the wind against the paint. It was barely down to the bare metal when I first got it both on the left and right ends of the tailgate and also right above the taillights on the rear quarter panels.

It's starting to surface rust and I have to do something.

I'll definitely sand down the rusted spots and seal them before doing anything.

I've considered covering this area with a 2" wide strip of white adhesive vinyl (strip across top of whole tailgate and then smaller pieces above taillights). I've seen thick stuff that really stuck on there, but I don't know what it is called. Does anyone know?

Any suggestions on a better/different solution or where to get a roll of tough thick plastic/vinyl "tape"? I looked at the tailgate caps that go over the top of the gate, but I'm unsure these will work. Also, they would not cover the above the taillight areas not on the gate.

Any tips on how to seal it up after I sand the rust off?

Thanks - WV

 

I ran a strip of that black rocker panel tape/wrap along the top edge of my tailgate, just slightly tucked under the plastic tailgate cap. I picked it up at my local O'Rielly's. I had a cap before this Tonneau btw and I just kept the strip on.

You could sand down the rust and apply some primer & paint before applying something similar. You could easily apply the same stuff above the tail lights.

 

I actually think it was this product. It's not a very rough texture.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...d-tape/r82403/5299390?pos=1&manufacturer=true

 

Thanks, Sig45. That looks great. I guess you didn't cut it to width and just left it 4" wide? It doesn't look quite 4" from here (but you did tuck some). I might go with the black because if I try to match the white it might look off if not same tone, probably better to go with a contrast.

 

Thinking back (sorry), I think the roll I bought was 2" wide. But you could buy a wider roll and cut to width.

I think the actual rolls of the rocker panel stuff are like 12" wide. I recall stumbling across that 2" wide roll by accident in the section where they have the pinstriping, etc. The textures are nearly identical.

 

Tip - the tailgate has a slight curve to it. Start in the center and work your way out to each end.

 

They got the same thing in 2". I'll post link in case it helps someone else in the future.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...ipe-non-skid-tread-tape/r82203/4666720?pos=23

 

I use a strip of clear automotive protective film across the top of the tailgate.

 

My tailgate has a deep rust line on top from my old LEER topper. I grinded down all the rust as best as I could, then sprayed a rust reformer, then used Rustoleum Truck Bed Liner.

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I have a bad scratch from loading my RTT and I’ve been thinking about doing that to my tailgate. That looks good dude! I think I’ll be doing that soon.

 

This, you can buy strips off ebay in various thicknesses and colors/patterns pretty inexpensive. The bedliner does look great though.

 

Here's the tailgate back on the truck after I finished the bed liner strip.