Need solution for protecting exposed painted bed rail.

[MAVCORuss]

I optioned my ‘24 XLT with Ford’s $495 factory “TOUGHBED” spray-in bed liner. The SIBL in conjunction with the standard plastic bed rail and tailgate caps provide excellent protection for the bed, its sides and top edges.

There is however a horizontal strip of exposed painted metal that occurs between the bottom edge of the rear window and the top edge of the front of the bed that isn’t covered with the bed liner material or black plastic. (See accompanying image).

I was hoping that some clever person here has come up with a good looking solution for protecting the approx. 2”W x 53“L painted area of concern.

I know that it would be inadvisable to load anything on this strip as it could jeopardize the rear window, but it appears to be unfinished as is without having some sort of protective covering.

Thanks.

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[Automan21]

Shouldnt be an issue since its painted and shouldn't rust easily. Youre correct, I wouldn't load anything close to that window. Worst case use some wide black electrical tape, tacky but serves some protection.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

2" PPF?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0721KWZ94/ref=twister_B072KFBR4V?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

HRG

 

[Optimus]

Either add more spray-in liner (most durable option), or try some paint protection film or anti skid tape. A very thick version of PPF/film would be referred to as bicycle “frame tape” or also called helicopter tape. It is available in thicknesses much more than standard PPF and is literally used to protect bicycle frames (I have some) and the edges of helicopter blades.

I have the full front of our Mav covered in PPF (hood, fenders, bumper etc.) but I wouldn’t consider it a good fit at the bed. I will probably put some frame tape on ours in the same spot the OP mentions, though we have a roll-up soft tonneau that completely covers the spot at this point.

 

[1929]

It's painted. It's clear coated. It's not like your going to load gravel on top of the surface, or scrap metal. Recommend leaving it alone.
Black automotive trim tape would cover it. Available in gloss, matte, carbon fiber look.

 

[fossil]

something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/2PCS-Univers...-7-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1

 

[Waterick]

I have an Oxford White with the SIBL and I like the way this stripe stands out in white, just my opinion. I'll soon be covering it with a tonneau to my dismay anyway.

 

[Automan21]

If you plan to put a tonneu cover on it that will cover that portion

 

[IronDan]

Could go with something like this. Considering getting a roll for my door sills. Check out @Wilbur's post for some pictures of the finish.

 

[Wilbur]

Could go with something like this. Considering getting a roll for my door sills. Check out @Wilbur's post for some pictures of the finish.

Yes, that would work.

For that strip of exposed, painted surface on my own truck, I applied the same 3M vinyl that I used on the hood and roof.

My concern was the same as Russ's, in that the small exposed strip is going to take all of the weathering (sun damage is real here in Arizona), plus any accidental strikes from loads that get over or under the tonneau.

So I took a leftover strip and laid it down on that exposed surface prior to re-installing the DIBL.

That roll of 3M PPF that Terry mentioned above would also work nicely if you don't care for a two-tone color change or the drip tape Iron Dan recommended.

 

[icegradner]

I've been thinking about protecting that area, because I have a few small scratches in the paint there from taking loads of green waste away. Even with my best efforts, a branch inevitably hits on the top of the rail there. Seen some great suggestions here, I was thinking of putting spray in liner there (I have the OEM drop in), but I have a bunch of that rough black tape left over from protecting the paint on the lower door entry points.

 

[Montana]

If you plan to put a tonneu cover on it that will cover that portion

It's still kinda exposed.

My only issue with it is when I'm drying the vehicle after a wash because all the water drops from the window pool up there, so I try to avoid the hard water spots in that area.

I will say that from what I've seen in terms of 3rd party spray in liner options, they seem to do a much better job than the factory FORD liner. Including the portion at the bottom of the tailgate that is not covered from the factory. Most of the Line-X pictures I have seen they spray right up to the rear window and that tailgate portion is fully covered too. I don't think I'll order a factory liner again since the cost for the 3rd party applications are about the same anyways.

 

[Exranger]

This strip stood out to me too. If you get aftermarket spray in they cover that. I put some ceramic on it and try not to hit it.

 

[FlyGuy09]

Use this. Has a similar grippy skateboard tape texture like the spray in liner to match.

Amazon Door Sill Tape

 

[Deleted member 29611]

I optioned my ‘24 XLT with Ford’s $495 factory “TOUGHBED” spray-in bed liner. The SIBL in conjunction with the standard plastic bed rail and tailgate caps provide excellent protection for the bed, its sides and top edges.

There is however a horizontal strip of exposed painted metal that occurs between the bottom edge of the rear window and the top edge of the front of the bed that isn’t covered with the bed liner material or black plastic. (See accompanying image).

I was hoping that some clever person here has come up with a good looking solution for protecting the approx. 2”W x 53“L painted area of concern.

I know that it would be inadvisable to load anything on this strip as it could jeopardize the rear window, but it appears to be unfinished as is without having some sort of protective covering.

Thanks.

The 22 XLT I traded for My new lariat had evidence of a bed cover and it had clear tape in the area you want to protect. I feel this is installed when the truck is ordered with a bed cover. My new Lariat does not have this tape and I did not order a bed cover factory. I’d do the clear tape. You’ll have trouble matching factory spray liner.

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