Protecting the liftgate when closeing

[thevinmanfxst]

Protecting the liftgate when closing

I've noticed that closing the liftgate requires you to either put your hand on the paint or license plate to fully close it down. By doing so, you cannot avoid touching either the paint, or pushing on the plate (which scratches the paint underneath.)

Has anyone figured out a way to close the liftgate without touching the outside or...is there some sort of protector, or rubberized contact material I could put on the liftgate where I have to touch it. Something that would look tasteful.

 

[TNTramair]

I've noticed that closing the liftgate requires you to either put your hand on the paint or license plate to fully close it down. By doing so, you cannot avoid touching either the paint, or pushing on the plate (which scratches the paint underneath.)

Has anyone figured out a way to close the liftgate without touching the outside or...is there some sort of protector, or rubberized contact material I could put on the liftgate where I have to touch it. Something that would look tasteful.

just whipe the fingerprints off when you close it???:yesyes:

 

[blaniac22]

I usually push on the license plate - I don't really care if the paint under the plate gets scratched in doing so.

But, if it's that important to you - try getting some of that stick on velcro and stick the felt side to the back of the plate. It should protect the paint that way.

Or you could use some of that door/window insulation that has adhesive on one side and gives you the spongy feel if you like that.

Easy fix.

 

[casual]

Dood, just wipe off your prints. So Gay

 

[thevinmanfxst]

Dood, just wipe off your prints. So Gay

It's not finger prints. When the car is dirty, touching the grit while closing the liftgate will eventually scratch the paint...

...and, No. Washing the car every day is also not what I had in mind as a solution.

 

[TNTramair]

It's not finger prints. When the car is dirty, touching the grit while closing the liftgate will eventually scratch the paint...

...and, No. Washing the car every day is also not what I had in mind as a solution.

not if you have a coat of wax on there. you'll be fine.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I put about half a dozen sticky bumpers that I bought at the hardware store for cheap. They're soft rubber feet with sticky stuff. I put them on the plate and then reinstalled the plate, no issues...
:cheers:

 

[nc211]

This is especially true if you're married and wear your rings "or any rings for that matter". I've simply come to the conclusion that there is simply no way to avoid not scratching up the blue paint on mine, and therefore have given up on the idea. I know a good detailing job will fix most of them later on anyway. I did a full claybar detail last fall to our 4runner, which erased a lot of the scratches. But now, they're back. So...screw it. It's an suv anyway....they're meant to get a little dirt and scratches every now and then, i guess. :happens:

 

[Scoobs]

I put about half a dozen sticky bumpers that I bought at the hardware store for cheap. They're soft rubber feet with sticky stuff. I put them on the plate and then reinstalled the plate, no issues...
:cheers:

+1 agree

 

[Scoobs]

or push on the Toyota logo?

 

[paraordnance]

what do you guys talking about? My closes on its own.

 

[Scoobs]

It closes on its own once you get it down. We are talking about getting it down.

 

[blaniac22]

or push on the Toyota logo?

Might scratch it.:

 

[blaniac22]

I put about half a dozen sticky bumpers that I bought at the hardware store for cheap. They're soft rubber feet with sticky stuff. I put them on the plate and then reinstalled the plate, no issues...
:cheers:

Are you talking about those little things you can put on cabinets to keep the door from slamming - or at least making a noise when they close? That's a good idea. I wouldn't go through the effort, but it's still a good idea.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Are you talking about those little things you can put on cabinets to keep the door from slamming - or at least making a noise when they close? That's a good idea. I wouldn't go through the effort, but it's still a good idea.

Yes, that's exactly what they are...
:cheers:

 

[Teqeeler]

Put some 3m clear film where you think your hands are closing the door.

 

[Scoobs]

You could figure out how to make it a power rear door like the Highlander and then do a write-up for me :yummie: It's ridiculous how much force it takes to pull down the tailgate on the 4th gens. Maybe it gets easier as the lifts wear out. A power door really should be at least an installed option from the factory. I guess you could put a chunk of paint protection film wherever you push on the tailgate.

I prefer the effort required with the 4R. I had a Honda Pilot with a rear hatch that would drop down on its own and smack me in the back of the head, especially in cold weather. Had the struts replaced 2x under warranty and still did it.

 

[Jeffrey_VB]

or push on the Toyota logo?

That's what I use, with the palm of my hand.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Paint protection film behind the license plate, then push on that. That way you barely notice the film sticking just outside the plate.

Teqeeler & Bootown, that's the right answer, the film...

OT but Bootown's avatar... Isn't it irionic the way all that worked out. Ford, as pictured, is the only one to make it without bankruptcy or bailout...

I remember that pic and it started circulating in August or so IIRC.
:cheers:

 

[eskimochaos]

Pull the strap from the inside hard enough that it closes on its own without you even touching the paint.