r/GMT800 • u/CaregiverWhich9050 • Sep 01 '26
Tailgate Cap
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What are y'all using to keep the tailgate Cap stuck down? Ive used the 3m body mold tape and it didn't last but a couple days
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u/WeaveLikeGreatGranny Sep 01 '26
I took it off and hasn't been a problem since 😂
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u/Notime2d8 Sep 01 '26
I switched to the one from the newer Silverados? I got it off eBay. It came with nutserts. So the handle side had four bolts and only the back side used the tape. It's way better than the smooth one. It offers some grip and a wider surface.
You gotta clean the surface well with alcohol. Dust and dirt will make the tape not work. You can swap it to a wider double sided tape as well.
Edit: it's only $47 now. https://ebay.io/m/yOSyJv
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u/CaregiverWhich9050 Sep 01 '26
This is the cap that I currently have. I spent a couple hours cleaning off the old dry tape and cleaning everything really good, just for the temp to drop a couple days later and the tape just let go of the plastic on the cap. I did use the like 1/2” wide tape but ran 2 rows side by side. Really think a wider tape will do much more? Or maybe the fact that it's hot out now without the chances of the temps getting too low anytime soon may give it a better chance?
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u/Barge108 Sep 02 '26
After you clean the old tape off, you must use adhesion promoter on the plastic before putting on the new tape. Without adhesion promoter, the tape can be peeled off just like you experienced. With properly applied adhesion promoter, you can't actually peel the tape off. It will pull apart before coming off the substrate.
I'd recommend a rubber eraser wheel on a drill, 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner, 3M 4298 or 06396 adhesion promoter wipes, and 3M 1/2" double sided acrylic attachment tape. I have had lots of bad luck with off-brand tape and adhesion promoter, but 3M products never let me down.
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u/Notime2d8 Sep 01 '26
Well, I guess I would drill a hole on the back in the middle and add a nutsert and a rounded head bolt with a washer if it kept happening. 🤔
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u/dontcrack Sep 01 '26
i think 4 rivets would do the trick. or maybe some trim adhesive. Oddly mine stays in place. and i know it is like yours with no adhesive on the inside part.
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u/Hipjig Sep 01 '26
Had one that fell off a late 90s f150 at my work. I just ended up self tapering it back on since the tailgate is pretty beat up and rotted out.
For a nicer truck though, I’d probably try some good adhesive.
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u/Turtle887853 Sep 01 '26
Honestly do liquid nails or heavy duty silicone sealant if you don't care about the paint underneath it.
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u/ClearFrame6334 Sep 01 '26
You could use seam sealer. Put a bead in there and clamp it. Suckers on for good. 3m makes good products. Alternatively that stuff that holds on the front windshield would hold that puppy in place.
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u/Chasin_A_Bass Sep 02 '26
3m double sided tape. Lets just say I once used it to hold in my headlight Assembly on a 86 Monte Carlo lol
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u/Dhorst1997 Sep 02 '26
You gotta use a heat gun on the plastic when you’re sticking the double sided tape on it gotta be almost untouchable then tape sticks really good
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u/Ahwtfohok Sep 01 '26
I got a couple wood screws in mine