Pianted Factory Rock Gaurd Tape....gmt900

[y2kz71]

I was washing my 2008 truck today and again got frustrated at the looks of the factory installed rock chip/gaurd tape thats on the bedsides near the lower fenderwells. I just dont like the look of that line.

 

Whats underneath that tape?

 

Is it painted underneath?

 

Have any of you body shop guys peeled this off?...what were the results?

 

I hate having to wax around/over it and I would like to remove it if its painted underneath.

 

disclaimer >>> My daily commute is 3 miles round trip and nothing over 40mph so the tape is useless to me.

[Zembonez]

Looks like 3M clear guard to me. With a heat gun it might come off. I'll have to say that is pretty anal. You never know when a pebble is going to launch itself at that part of the paint off of your front tire. It can happen on the nicest roads...

[Lincoln30]

I haven't looked that closely at it but I'm 99% sure it's clear film and it can be removed pretty easily. Just remember it's there for a reason or GM wouldn't have spend the money to put it on.

[Steveman]

I took mine off. I didn't know what it was, I thought it was something GM put on for protection while in transit from the factory to the dealership. All that is under their is normal paint and removing the take does not seem to do anything to the condition of the paint. Crap now I know what it is I might have left some on!

[slomo007]

It is clear, not painted. Take it off if you don't want it, but my suggestion is to leave it on.

[d3athsong]

It is just clear film. It might help guard against a pebble or 2 flicking back off your front tire on the highway, but even with mudflaps all around, mine is tore up pretty good already. I would think it would come off nicely with a little heat applied.

[sshoureas]

If you take it off that edge will look like its been sandblasted after some time ... go ahead take it off though.

[y2kz71]

Thanks for the info guys, Im gonna remove mine. For some reason the tape looks painted on my 08 black truck.

[wlvrn1215]

leave em' on if you like your paint......I have mudflaps as well and my rear panel underneath by the bumper is chipped. Should I touch it up??? what is the best product to use besides the dupli color touch up kit.....

[y2kz71]

leave em' on if you like your paint......I have mudflaps as well and my rear panel underneath by the bumper is chipped. Should I touch it up??? what is the best product to use besides the dupli color touch up kit.....

Im gonna leave on the rear lower quarter piece, its the one in front of the wheelwell that goes up like 8" on the side that I dont like.

 

However, you do kinda prove my point...you have the tape and mudflaps and you still have chips...so whats the use?

[wlvrn1215]

leave em' on if you like your paint......I have mudflaps as well and my rear panel underneath by the bumper is chipped. Should I touch it up??? what is the best product to use besides the dupli color touch up kit.....

Im gonna leave on the rear lower quarter piece, its the one in front of the wheelwell that goes up like 8" on the side that I dont like.

 

However, you do kinda prove my point...you have the tape and mudflaps and you still have chips...so whats the use?

 

 

there is no tape on the farthest part of the rear fender underneath by the bumper...thinking about investing in some 3M protective tape.

[steveR]

I usually spent good money putting 3M taping on my vehicles. I agree it does not look the best, but appreciate the protection when pummeled with sand, salt and rocks. My sub took @30 feet of 10” product.

[y2kz71]

Well I removed the tape and its much better now. Meguires cleaner wax removed the little glue residue.

[wlvrn1215]

where my tape is there is no chips....why take it off????

[y2kz71]

Its not a large enough piece to do any good. If your gonna have the tape....it needs to be across that entire lower rear q-panel...you know...where you have the chips now.

 

Im not telling others to remove it...this was just for me. I get a new truck every 2 years anyway.