Curious about these black covered door panels

Anyone know when/why these started to appear on double cabs? Second gen didn’t have this, and I’ve seen some lower 3rd gen trims (SR) without it. Purely aesthetics?

I guess it can protect the drivers door from paint wear if you handle it in that spot.

It looks removable, anyone done it? I’d love to see a cement color double cab without it. Once I noticed it being an after-paint application, I kinda don’t like it. But I could get used to it.

 

My 2017 OR has it. It’s vinyl, so can be removed.

…But my truck is super white, so the paint will come off with it as well!

 

There are a few on here who have removed it.

 

They don’t serve any purpose other than decorative and can be removed easily.

 

I waited until a sufficiently hot day and pulled mine off. I had to use Goo Gone in a couple areas to remove some of the residue left behind. I wouldn't recommend letting it get too hot tho....you'll have more residue to remove after you get them off.

 

3rd gen was ahead of its time.

Center pillar stickers are all the rage these days. I'm starting to see a few interesting ones out there.

 

I took mine off. I like it better without.

If I ever go to put anything back on, it'll be the '5D' carbon vinyl.

 

Anyone have pictures of a cement grey truck with the vinyl removed? Would love to see it before ripping off.

 

There's an entire thread dedicated to this topic HERE

 

"…But my truck is super white, so the paint will come off with it as well! "

True story..Mine goes in today for the second paint fix at a dealership for paint falling off (under hood along fenders and rear door opening)..on Toyota's dime of course.

 

It'll look 100% better without them....just do it!