2007 Toyota Tundra Installation Report by WileETundra

2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 5.7L V8 Limited
Pyrite Mica, Standard Bed, 20" Alloy Wheels

Owner: WileETundra

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Installation Report: Door Edge Guards

Project Description
Anyone that has a brand new 2007 Tundra knows just how special it feels to drive that beast off the lot and take it home. They also know how paranoid you feel when you have to park in a crowded lot next to a beat-up minivan with 2 car seats, 5 screaming kids, a slobbering dog, and lots of groceries in the back. Do you trust that over-stressed soccer mom to carefully unload her kids without bumping into your door? Or do you trust your passenger when they have to slide in or out in a tight spot because some other big truck parked way too close to you? Let's face it, the Tundra is a big wide truck so there are many situations where your door edges are likely to get chipped during normal use. Why not protect them with a simple, cheap, but effective set of edge guards?

Photos
(click on any photo to see a larger version)

Parts & Cost

I found this BEL product for just $3.94 per pack of two strips in the Walmart automotive aisle. They come in shiny chrome or matte black. You need three packages (six strips total) to do the entire DoubleCab or Crewmax Cab models. I tossed the packaging out after installation though so if someone buys this then please send me the UPC code or model number and I will post it here.

Tools
(just the major items, not a complete list)

Rubbing alcohol wipes
Sharp scissors or razor knife

Install Process

Wash the truck or at least clean the door edges really good with normal soap and water. Rinse with water, dry, then clean with rubbing alcohol pads to make sure the surface is residue-free. Make sure to get the inside edges too and let the alcohol evaporate.
Start with the first strip at the top of the front door edge nearest the handle and work your way down slowly. Press firmly until you feel the glue inside the strip start to mould around the door edge.
When the first strip runs out then start a second strip being careful to align the seams tightly together. Cut the excess second strip off at the bottom of the front door and take your time to get a good 90-degree cut. If using a razor knife then do not cut on top of the door surface!
Now move to the top of the rear door and start with the excess piece from the second strip. Cut the strip off right above the recessed scoop for the rear door handle. Do not try to line the entire recessed scoop area - the angles are too sharp and the guards will come off eventually.
Start a new third strip just under the rear door handle and run it all the way down, then finish the last portion with the remaining trim from the second strip and cut it off flush with the bottom of the door.

Total Time: ~1 hour including pre-wash

Comments

Cut It Close: Cut the strips very carefully so the edges will fit together well. If you install them exactly the way I described above then the seams will be closest to the ground and not likely to be visible. I pulled one of my strips down a bit in the third picture so you can see where the seam is on the front door. If you zoom in on the larger pictures you can just see the hints of the seams.
Hot & Loose: On a really hot day the glue loosens up a little so if you pull on the edge guards they will slip around a little. It took me a week or so to get used to grabbing the top edge of the door by the window when opening or closing, or just use the handles as designed and you won't ever have to re-align your strips.
Protection: These things work like a charm. I have dinged several other vehicles which parked too close to me yet not a scratch on either vehicle. These also work well when at the drive through or ATM and you need to open the door a little to reach the goodies.
Looks: Personally I think these also look sharp on most trucks if you have the right exterior color. I would never use the chrome type but to each his own. Everyone would have to agree that any edge guard looks a lot better than chipped paint or rusted sheet metal.

Disclaimer: this information has been shared for entertainment purposes only. The ideas, methods, parts, and products represented may not be compatible or safe for your vehicle or driving circumstances. The author is not responsible for inaccuracies, errors, omissions, misuse, etc. No guarantees, warranties, or support are provided or implied. Use this information at your own risk.