Tailgate Trim Panel Reflective Strip

[JDancoe]

I have a '92 LE. It has the decorative trim panel on the tailgate, brushed aluminum with the reflective red strip on top. The strip on mine is almost gone. Does anyone have a tip on what I might use to replace it?

I thought about using the reflective tape that is used on commercial trucks & trailers, but all I've been able to find is 2" wide, and the strip on the panel is about 3 3/4"



I have a second panel that is damaged on the aluminum , but haven't been able to find a way to remove the reflective strip without possibly damaging it. And, it is also deteriorating, though not as bad as the original.



Thanks, Jack Dancoe

 

[DVolk]

Id go talk to a custom automotive paint store they have all kinds of pearl paints they might have some tricks they can tell you

 

[RedRamAndy]

but haven't been able to find a way to remove the reflective strip without possibly damaging it.

Well, One thing I would try is heating the backside of the aluminum with a heatgun to soften the adhesive and remove the strip. I would start with your 'almost gone' strip if there's enough to practice on.

If you can't save your old one, I think there's a vendor here in St Louis that sells all sorts of PSA Vinyl, including reflective, in various widths. I'll search if you need.

 

[RSchwarzli]

Someone needs to find out and offer this! Having just done a search for clean tailgate panels, this strip is one of the biggest trim failures. You can have a clean trim but the strip is crap!

Yes, please post what you find!

 

[RedRamAndy]

OK, here is a link to the page at R and J Sign Supply where they sell the reflecive stripe. http://www.rjsign.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=PREREFL





I have a sample chart that I got from them a few years ago. The color number 156 Drak Red in the Premium Reflective series of Universal Products line is a pretty close match to the red of that insert as memory serves. I don't have an original stripe to look at. I haven't seen one for a few years.

This is deep almost metallic looking red. It appears from the sample that the reflective property comes from a fine glass bead. Really fine, almost pearl. The drawback is that this is thin stripe tape. It is not thick like the original (if I remember right. ) When is goes on, it will show any dust or surface imperfection behind it. Not sure it would be a good substitute?

 

[JDancoe]

Tailgate trim panel tape

RR Andy,

Thanks very much for the tips. I'm going to try this weekend to get the old tape (or whatever) off the damaged panel, as you suggested, with a heat gun.



i did finally find some 4" wide red reflective tape on the internet.



A site Called "Identi-Tape.com. They seem to have all types and colors of the DOT approved reflective tapes. The really neat thing was, unlike several other sites I checked, who only wanted to sell large rolls (50 -150 ft. ) Identi-Tape had 15 ft. quantities available. I spent $46. 00 and ordered some. I'll use a little over 6 ft. on the truck, and the rest will go on the back bumper of my travel trailer.



those of you who attend, will get to see both the truck and the trailer at the Iowa meet.



As always, thanks again for all the replies. Jack Dancoe

 

[tugboatphil]

I covered mine years ago

with a 4" wide, white reflective tape.

Reading this part about the imperfections that might show up underneath a replacement tape made me wonder about repairing the original red.

Would using the very fine grit pads for headlight lense repair do anything to improve the red part of the trim? I don't know, just asking. I've done quite a few headlights and they turn out really nice.

 

[JDancoe]

Just a follow-up. I ordered the reflective tape from Identi-Tape Thursday morning. I received the shipment Friday afternoon! They are located in Boulder, CO and I'm currently at my home in South Fork CO.
Obviously they are very prompt in responding to orders.

Jack

 

[DMcLeod]

Pics Please

Would like to see pictures "taped" tailgates. My original red plastic reflector decided to jump ship sometime last winter. If any of you have pictures you could post, that would be helpful, or other ideas?

Thanks!

 

[JMDancoe]

DMcLeod: Look under new posts and I have a thread "Tailgate". It is the codes to see his redone tailgate panel. You have to click on them to see before and after photos.



BSchwarzli: Look at the post. I think you will like what he did.

 

[JDancoe]

Tailgate trim panel tape

Well, I got the new tape put on my tailgate trim panel. IMHO it looks really great.

As I am far from being a computer whiz, to I haven't been able to get the photos I took uploaded to this thread. I did however get them uploaded to the TDR Photo Gallery under 1st Gen. You can go there to see them.



My brother Jim, also a TDR member, attempted to send a link to the photos I sent him. But, when I tried to open them I had no luck.



I didn't identify them as "before" and "after" on the assumption the highly intelligent and observant members of TDR would not need such labels



If said HI&O members notice the photos seem to have been taken in my living room instead of my garage, the reason is as follows.

Sunday in South Fork CO was clear, sunny and in the 70's. Monday was cloudy, dreary, and in the low 30's! And snowing! I took the panel off and took it inside to do the work on kitchen counter. The job is much easier if the tape and the panel are warm.



Concerning possible dirt being visible under the tape, I pre-cleaned the area with Mr. Clean and a Scotch-brite pad, followed by a wipe-down with alcohol.



(While it was drying I had a small nip to cleanse MY innards, and improve my outlook).



Actually, then conspicuity tape I purchased is fairly heavy, and I don't think anything short of small rocks would show, but, better safe than sorry.

The tape is DOT certified reflectant, so is slightly different than the original,

but I like it.



Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions to help solve my problems.

Jack Dancoe



P/S Now all I need to do is re-read the instructions and learn how to post photos to the forums.

 

[RSchwarzli]

Here you go!

#ad



#ad

 

[RSchwarzli]

Looks good!

 

[Greenleaf]

so... ... ... ... ... ... ... which is which?

 

[JDancoe]

OK - Just to avoid errors & misunderstanding;
The top photo, which appears to have a silhouette graphic of the Colorado mountains is the "Before". The lower photo (that's the one on the bottom) with the broad, bright Red Stripe is the "After".

Also: Thanks to everyone who finally managed to get the photos onto the threads, both here and on the other related threads.

The tape I used does not look exactly the same as O. E. M. But, I like it nonetheless. Because it is DOT certified it has a more prismatic effect than the original, hence the stripe effect.
I have to wonder if having a similar stripe on the truck originally might have prevented the accident that led to the past 5 year refirb project.

Anyhow, go to www.Identi-Stripe.com.
The site also has several other variations of tape, some of which look as though they might be closer to O. E. M.
A person could even try contacting them, explain just what you're looking for, and possibly they might send sample pieces you could compare. They also have a link to 3M, the manufacturer, where you can download a 6 page PDF with complete install instructions.

I guess my next project will be to learn how to get my own pictures uploaded. I wonder if the fact I'm working with a Mac has anything to do with my problems? Seems odd if so, usually Macs are better at graphics and photo issues than PCs.

Jack Dancoe