Factory rear stone guard issue? 2022 TRD OR Premium

Hey everyone!

Just picked up my 2022 TRD OR Premium in Lunar Rock a few weeks ago. When I was taking delivery I noticed the rear vinyl stone guard (on the box infront of the rear flare) hadn't sealed from the factory correctly. It's lifted and dirt is in it, and it's driving me nuts as it's a light colour.

Any ideas on if/how it can be lifted, cleaned, and re applied in that little section or is a full replacement needed? Not too keen on sending a truck with 35 km's on it off to an unknown body shop and having the front plastic piece on the corner, the rear flare gasket, and the rear flare taken off for full access to remove the entire stone guard. Tried searching but by the looks of it I'm one of the unlucky ones as I wasn't able to find anyone else with this issue.





Hopefully the photos show up!

 

Take it to the dealer or order on and fix it yourself. Trim the area off if you want to save yourself the hassle.

 

Trimming that small section off is definitely an option, any tips on doing that without damaging the paint underneath?

Dealer said they'd sent it off to a body shop as they're not sure how to fix it properly. I've had pretty bad luck letting anyone else work on my stuff so I tend to fix things myself. Unsure of the part number on the rear flare gasket/ couldn't find one and the front corner plastic piece.

 

I would go bye the dealership, show them, have them order the clear rock guard and call me when it comes in. It can't take but about 30 minutes to heat the old one up, remove it and attach the new one. Its very simple or take a fine marker and trace off the bad spot,be neat and trim it off with a trim razor blade. No reason for the dealer to keep he vehicle over night. If it were mine I would fix it on my own and the part can't be anymore than $25 which is less aggravation than dealing with the dealership.

 

Any tips on using ensuring the razor doesn't go through the vinyl right into the paint or is it all just feel? I'm a hobby mechanic so I know my way around tools, I just don't generally deal with vinyl or bodywork. I'd replace the whole thing but unfortunately it goes right underneath the front box corner plastic and rear fender flare and I'd prefer to not have those messed with if possible.

 

Its just feel and being careful. Relace the whole thing by heating it up with a hair drier, clean off the old glue, wipe it down with grease and glue remover and attach the new one. Make sure the surface is clean and not cold. Doing it on a nice 80 deg. day is perfect.

 

I agree with @mds08. Have Toyota order yoy the part and you install it yourself. No guess work with the razor blade.

Another option, swing by a local shop that installs paint protection film. They should be able to cut you a new piece. Those shops usually have access to all kinds of templates for their vinyl cutters.

 

I'm sure if the body shop manager orders you a new one he can schedule an appointment as it won't take no time at all, something to wait on. Its really an easy fix. Use your warranty!

 

I would peel up the corner, cut it when it’s not touching the paint, then press it down after heating it up a little with a heat gun. If it doesn’t stick, I’d add a drop of adhesive.

 

As much as I'd love to use the warranty I don't like other people touching my stuff! I find anytime I've gotten work done it comes back with more problems than when I handed it over.

I'll get them to give the corner guard and then pull the rear flare and front plastic box corner cover off myself if I can't do a cut/ re-stick.

 

Trim around the dirt section with a very sharp knife lightly. Don’t go all the way down to the paint. Then peel it off…wwwola…. OR take it to a body shop as the dealer suggested. It’s a very easy and minor work. They could not be screwing this up.

 

I agree with mds08 on post #6 plus warm up the protective film (still attached to backing) in the sun or warming plate before installing on warm body panel surface.
Good luck and keep us posted on what you do

 

The dealer ended up paying for a shop to take care of it. Apparently the guard was applied slightly crooked from the factory, which explains the gap.

The fender flare and front corner piece had to come off, new decal and clips, back to looking how it should have! Some scratches on the fender flare now but I'll take that over paint/ vinyl problems.

 

Put a piece of electrical tape on your toolboxand cut it without hitting your toolbox. It's feel and you will figure it out in two minutes.

 

I have the same issue on my 2020 Off Road Premium as well. When I talked to my sales rep about and said leave it.

Now, two years later I have “trimmed” mine to the best of my ability and it’s bugging the crap out of me.

I’m going to have my head unit warrantied in a few weeks and I’m going to inquire about this PPF. I’m hoping I can get the same results!

Glad you were able to get your truck fixed.

 

Take a look and see if it's crooked compared to the other side, once they pointed it out to me it was super obvious. Hopefully they order you up a new one and pay for the replacement, let me know the outcome.

 

I replaced one of mine do to some fluid film somehow seeping under it after having it applied.
You can order the precut pieces at the dealer.

In your case the dealer should replace it under warranty without issue.