How to Repair a Scratched Truck's Tailgate Edge Protector

You can restore the finish on your truck's tailgate protector.

The plastic tailgate protector is made of ABS-injected plastic and is usually black. The protector prevents the truck's tailgate from becoming scratched up as you take things in and out of your truck. You can restore the finish of your truck tailgate protector to give it a like-new finish.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• 600-grit sandpaper
• 800-grit sandpaper
• 1000-grit sandpaper
• Water
• Rags
• Plastic scratch-remover compound
• Buffing pads

Instructions

1. Remove the screws that secure your tailgate protector to the tailgate using a screwdriver. Then remove the protector from the truck and set it off to the side.

2. Sand the large scratches from the protector using wetted 600-grit sand paper. Completely sand the whole surface to obtain a uniform look to the protector.

3. Wet-sand the surface of the protector using 800-grit sand paper and then 1000-grit sand paper. As you switch to the finer grit paper, wipe the surface clean with a rag and water.

4. Buff the surface of the protector using plastic scratch remover compound. Apply it with a clean rag or use an electric buffer. You can get the compound at your local auto parts store.

5. Clean the compound off the surface of the protector using a clean rag and water.

6. Secure the protector back to the truck's tailgate using the screws and screwdriver.

References

• "Chevrolet S10, GMC Sonoma 1994-2004, Chevy Blazer, GMC Jimmy 1995-2004, Olds Bravada, Isuzu Hombre 1996-2001 Repair Manual"; Robert Maddox, John H. Haynes; 2005
• "Ford F-150 Pickups Repair Manual 2004-2009"; Mike Stubblefield, John H. Haynes; 2010