Those OEM tie down cleats in the bedsides...

...you know, the hard plastic ones that slide laterally in the bedside inner top rails. Will the sun damage them from UV exposure? Just wondering if they will eventually become brittle and crumble when using them in the future. Anyone know?

 

Eventually, yes. The sun always wins. Get a cover or use some 303.

 

Also, a little early.

 

Yeah. If you look at older Tacos, you will see that they breakdown. But after even 10yrs, I doubt it is a serious strength reduction over the accessory rail itself.

Those little accessory rail attachment screws in tension or the bed itself will be the weak link.

 

Interesting. I hardly, if ever really use them. Maybe I should just slide them off and store them in the cab somewhere.

 

This is a really well-done troll. Haha. You got me initially. I actually scrolled up to see how many posts you had.

 

Just wrap them in electrical tape


/S

 

I recommend cosmoline.

 

303 everything. If you think it might get old and brittle... Treat it with 303.

Its not a miracle worker but it will go a long way in protecting your stuff if you keep up with the maintenance.

I use a crazy amount of the stuff. Both on the truck and at home.

 

It was an honest question. Really. The cleats are sort of turning a grayish color now... so I know UV is degrading the color of them. Just curious about the total molecular integrity of them for the millennium.

 

They'll outlast you.

 

Will the metal Tundra cleats fit our trucks?

 

the Tundra ones are aluminum?

 

yes

 

That's what I do with mine. Keeps them out of the sun and safe from someone who may want to walk away with them.

I installed the Aluminum Tundra ones on my T100 last winter. The Tundra ones are larger although I've never tried them on my Taco. I don't think they will fit but I'll try swapping them this weekend and report back.

 

How much do I need to get to cover my wife? (5 ft & mean as hell)
(Asking for a friend)

 

As others said - the sun eventually wins. I keep 'em under the back seat until I need to tie something down. You don't have to slide them all the way to the end of the rail to attach/detach.

 

Holding up well on my 2011 Taco. Truck and tie downs spent its entire life outside. Only apparent sun damage on vehicle is glazed over headlight lenses.

 

Mine are under my soft cover and ready when needed.

 

The sun will always win out eventually. But, that being said you'll likely have a new vehicle long before those are broken down enough to break under normal stresses and, if they do, just get new ones.

Like anything it just depends on a number of factors such as sun exposure, location, etc. If you're worried just take them off and store them under the seat or something. I keep mine in the cab because I really don't use them. You can also apply UV protection as well.