[StatCoder]

I stopped by a local dealer in Austin to see if they had a CrewMax in stock (no luck) and was admiring a Salsa Red DC SR5 (Texas Edition - I think it's my favorite color now). I noticed what looked like a key scratch in one of the quarter-panels in front the rear wheels. I was surprised to find a metal seam. There was a matching one on the other side. None of the other '07's on the lot had this. It looks like a scratch from a distance. Any idea why this would be there? More importantly, how do I make sure that the truck I order doesn't have one?

 

[rsayloriii]

Not sure what it's called, but it's an extra piece of metal that I assume they put there to reinforce that area. It shouldn't be that visible though. Dunno what to tell ya other than my mom's 98 4Runner has a similar piece.

 

[PACER]

I believe this is just a piece of clear 3M tape that is used to protect the paint from chipping from rocks, sand or other debris. If you look at most other Toyota trucks with painted fender flares you will see something similar on the lower front sides of the rear flares.

 

[rsayloriii]

I believe this is just a piece of clear 3M tape that is used to protect the paint from chipping from rocks, sand or other debris. If you look at most other Toyota trucks with painted fender flares you will see something similar on the lower front sides of the rear flares.

You sure it's tape? It looks like painted metal on my mom's 4Runner.

 

[locoman]

Yep, It's on all of them. If you look close at the paint you will see that is very thick and rough from the lower crease or body line down.

 

[4.7 vvt-i]

I believe this is just a piece of clear 3M tape that is used to protect the paint from chipping from rocks, sand or other debris. If you look at most other Toyota trucks with painted fender flares you will see something similar on the lower front sides of the rear flares.

You're absolutely right!

 

[wileetundra]

It is most definitely clear 3M protectant film. I asked about this twice at the dealer and got the same answer each time. Makes sense since these areas tend to get hit with rode stones etc. more often than the rest of the truck.

Does anyone know if they make black polymer fender flares for the Tundra? Not sure how they would look on this truck but my Tacoma had them and they sure protected the sides of the truck from road debris.

 

[locoman]

Hey statcoder your pants are unziped!! Ha! made you look anyway.

 

[BLOWN 86]

It is not a seam, it is not an extra piece of metal, it is a clear decal that is used to protect your body panels from stone chips. You are able to remove the clear transfer but I wouldn't recommend it, take a look at all the toyotas at the dealership, all of their cars and trucks have it ,but that is a big piece of stone protection.

 

[StatCoder]

So, I guess it's a good thing. Why, then, was there only one truck out of six that had this? It feels like metal - about the thickness of a coffee can. It's painted.

 

[locoman]

Did you look real close? The seam will turn white like your pic in time. You may be right as I have only looked at the ones locally.

 

[blackgts2002]

mine has that, happy it does. wish my tacoma had it.

 

[Cooper S]

Mine does not have that....maybe its because I have the mudflaps?

 

[blackgts2002]

Mine does not have that....maybe its because I have the mudflaps?

i have mudflaps. maybe its only trd package... or cold weather?

 

[wileetundra]

I have a Limited DC and it has the 3M protective panels. I also thought it was a scratch when I first saw it on the dealer lot but all the other Tundras on the lot had it as well, and I checked at least 5 Tundras that day of various configurations.

 

[blackgts2002]

maybe it is color specific?

 

[atvraptorman]

So, I guess it's a good thing. Why, then, was there only one truck out of six that had this? It feels like metal - about the thickness of a coffee can. It's painted.

Its not painted, its clear, which makes it look as though its painted the same color.

 

[zzrguy]

I almost S h i t when I got home and saw it they hit the car with prep wax before they delivered it just make it look better and it most of dry by the time I got home and you know the old addive "wax in the crack looks wack"

 

[mln]

It was on all the Tundras I looked at. Some colors hide it better than others. It's clear so as not to be so obvious.

Blackgts2000

It's on my metallic slate, TRD, Cold Weather, Mud Flap, 4x4.

 

[TahoeTexan]

I have a SR5 DC Slate Metallic with Mud Flaps and w/o TRD. Mine has it. Not sure what the rhyme or reason is. I thought they all had it.

I am thinking of doing the front end with a 3M kit like the one available on eBay, it's about $180.