How are you protecting your tailgate?

[kilomanjaro]

I am getting ready to paint my blazer and have got to thinking about the inside of the tailgate. I know they were originally painted, but it seems like if you use the blazer to haul anything it will just get scratched up. Just wanting input on what people have tried to protect it.

I have thought of Rhinolining, screwing on a rubber mat, or putting down some kind of carpet, but haven't decided on anything. I don't really like the thickness of rhinolining, I don't really want to screw anything down, and I think carpet would be hard to keeep clean and might wear as things are slid on it.

Lots of things to consider in any decision. How will it look? I really like a stock look. Will it dampen sound? How will it effect the tailgate seals on the bottom and sides? etc.

Anybody care to share what they have tried. Thanks
John

[bouncytruck]

I haven't seen you on the board in a long time. Welcome back (if you were gone)

I don't haul much in my Blazer but when I do I use a heavy furniture blanket. I'm not a fan of liners because they are hard to remove and can hide a lot of issues (can be a plus or a minus.)

[kilomanjaro]

Thanks for the welcome back. I drove my blazer from Kansas to Alaska about 7 years ago. My blazer has been sitting ever since while I started to build a life up here. Started teaching school, bought a house, got married, had two kids, and I am finally getting back around to working on it again.

John

[1972Joker]

I haven't actually tried it on a tailgate but a Clearbra coating might be what you're looking for. That's what I used under the (removable) passenger seat on my harley to protect the custom paint job.

[kilomanjaro]

It that like a thick clear plastic that you stick on? I thought of that, I wonder if I could get it to mould to the contours of the tailgate?

John

[1972Joker]

It is a clear plastic substance but it is applied at a body shop and is very durable. The guy who did my paint recommended it. I guess they use it on the front of cars to protect from rock chips.

*edit* when they apply it it should contour exactly to every surface on the tailgate. your best bet is to find a shop that applies it and ask them what they think. http://getclearbra.com/

[blownz]

My whole inside is rhino lined, I will post pics.

[bouncytruck]

I had a buddy who had a one of those clear bra things on his car. He took it off because it became very obvious where it ended on the hood.

[BIGBLU 72]

mine is rhino lined and i really like it!

[463]

http://www.levineautoparts.com/semchipguara.html i used this in 1984 and there is 12000 miles on since and it still looks good, was in 1 quart cans and was mixed into the paint and sprayed on the lower rockers . it leaves a bit of orange peal look to the surface. in the box it was to thin for a real work.