How Do I Fix Ripped Plastic Strips On My Cover?

Your truck bed cover, also called a tonneau cover, is an important accessory that protects your truck bed and cargo from weather and theft.

But over time, the plastic strips along the sides and back can become ripped or damaged from regular wear and tear.

So what can you do when those plastic strips become cracked, warped or torn? Thankfully, there are several effective options for repairing ripped plastic on your tonneau cover to make it functional again.

What are the most common causes of ripped plastic strips on tonneau covers?

Plastic strips on tonneau covers face a lot of strain and can rip or warp due to various factors:

• Regular opening and closing – The constant raising, lowering and sliding of the tonneau cover puts stress on the plastic components. Over time, they may crack or tear.
• UV damage – Prolonged sun exposure can make the vinyl and plastic brittle and prone to ripping or splitting apart at stress points.
• Improper opening/closing – If the cover is forced open or slammed shut, it can warp or tear the plastic pieces.
• Cargo impact – Pointed or heavy objects in the truck bed that press against the inside of the cover may puncture or rip the plastic.
• Temperature changes – In cold weather, the plastic can contract and become inflexible. In hot weather, it softens and is more prone to tearing when stretched.
• General wear – Aging plastic that has turned dull or opaque is more prone to cracking or splitting when bent.

How can I temporarily patch a small rip in the plastic strip?

For a quick fix of a small rip or tear in a plastic strip less than 2 inches long, you can use a temporary patching product like:

• Duct tape – Press it firmly over the torn area on both sides to seal it. This is good for a temporary fix.
• Electrical tape – Wrap around the torn plastic strip several times to hold it together. Helps prevent further tearing.
• Sugru moldable glue – Knead it and press firmly into the rip or crack and let cure per package directions. Secures the area.
• Clear packing tape – Place over the torn plastic on both sides to reinforce it and prevent growth of the tear.

These temporary patches should hold the plastic together and prevent more damage until you can do a proper repair. Just be sure to monitor them closely and replace if they peel or come loose.

What glue works best to repair ripped tonneau cover plastic?

For a more heavy duty and permanent fix, you’ll need to use a strong flexible glue or sealant specially formulated for plastic and vinyl repair. Some good options include:

• Vinyl repair adhesive – Made to bond vinyl and plastic, it remains flexible without cracking. Great for tonneau covers.
• Shoe glue – Designed for repairing vinyl shoes and handbags, shoe glue bonds well and stays somewhat flexible when dry.
• Marine epoxy – Formulated to withstand sun, water and movement. Bonds strongly and works on many surfaces.
• Flexible super glue – Special super glues exist that remain flexible when they dry. Ensure they work for plastics.
• Silicone sealant – Clear silicone caulk adheres plastic well, cures flexible and withstands outdoor use once dry.

Always follow safety and application directions. Thoroughly clean and sand the plastic first for maximum adherence. Allow proper curing time before using the repaired cover.

How do I use a vinyl repair kit to fix ripped tonneau cover plastic?

For the best looking and long lasting fix, use a vinyl and plastic repair kit specifically made for tonneau covers like TEAR-AID. Here is how to use it:

1. Clean the damaged area

• Remove any dirt or debris from ripped plastic strip using isopropyl alcohol on a rag.

2. Sand the surface

• Use included sanding pad to lightly roughen plastic around torn area for better adhesion.

3. Apply patch material

• Cut vinyl patch to size needed and shape to match torn plastic piece.

4. Activate adhesive backing

• Use adhesive primer pen on back of patch and bordering torn plastic edges. Allow to dry.

5. Affix patch

• Remove backing and press vinyl patch firmly over rip for 60 seconds to bond.

6. Work out wrinkles

• Use included seam roller and roll over patch working out any bubbles or wrinkles.

7. Allow to fully cure

• Let repair sit for at least 24 hours before regular tonneau use to fully cure.

Follow all kit directions carefully. Vinyl repair kits create nearly invisible seams for long term use. Monitor and redo if patch peels.

Can I sew a patch underneath to fix a ripped tonneau cover?

For large rips and tears in tonneau cover plastic strips, it may be best to sew a sturdy vinyl fabric patch underneath for reinforcement and an invisible repair. Here is how:

1. Purchase vinyl repair fabric

• Get heavy duty vinyl sheet or mesh in a matching tonneau color. Marine vinyl works well.

2. Cut patch to size

• Measure rip and cut fabric patch 2-inches wider and longer than torn area.

3. Clean underside

• Use isopropyl alcohol to clean underside of cover where patch will be applied.

4. Adhere patch

• Apply flexible glue or silicone sealant to underside of cover and position fabric patch over rip.

5. Sew in place

• Use vinyl thread and upholstery needle to sew around edges of patch through cover.

6. Sew across rip

• Sew multiple times directly across rip through both patch and cover.

The fabric patch provides strength while flexible glue and stitches secure it. This creates a permanent fix for large rips and tears in plastic tonneau strips.

Is windshield urethane an effective adhesive for tonneau repairs?

Windshield urethane is an automotive adhesive used to bond windshield glass into car window frames. Some tonneau cover owners have used it successfully to repair ripped plastic strips. Here’s how:

• Clean – Ensure torn plastic piece is clean and free of dirt. Lightly sand surface.
• Prep adhesive – Knead urethane tubes before use and cut nozzle tip to desired opening size.
• Apply urethane – Run a thick bead along the underside of the torn plastic strip.
• Clamp in place – Use paint sticks or tape to hold the ripped piece tightly together as urethane cures.
• Allow to set – Most urethanes take 6-12 hours to fully cure. Keep clamped during this time.
• Remove clamps – Once fully cured, remove clamps and adhesive should hold plastic strip repair securely.

Windshield urethane forms a tough, rubberized bond when cured. It can effectively reattach separated sections of plastic strips, although the repair will not be invisible. Take safety precautions when using.

Can I reshape warped plastic strips in the oven?

If the vinyl or plastic strips on your tonneau cover have warped or distorted out of shape over time, you may be able to reshape them yourself with heat. Here’s how to try reforming warped plastic in the oven:

1. Remove strips

• Take off distorted plastic strip pieces from tonneau cover by unscrewing or popping out.

2. Preheat oven

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Oven must be under 375°F to avoid melting the plastic.

3. Place on baking sheet

• Lay strips on a foil lined baking sheet spaced apart so they don’t touch.

4. Heat 5-10 minutes

• Bake plastic strips for 5-10 minutes until heated through but not melted.

5. Remove and reshape

• Use oven mitts to remove baking sheet. Handle strips carefully while still hot.

6. Bend strips straight

• While still warm and pliable, gently bend and coerce strips straight or back into proper shape.

7. Cool fully

• Allow strips to completely cool before touching up bends. Do not reinstall until fully cooled.

Be very careful of burns during this process. Reformed strips may try to revert once reinstalled on cover – monitor closely.

What tonneau cover repair tips can I learn from YouTube videos?

There are many excellent tonneau cover repair tutorials on YouTube. Here are some useful tips you can learn:

• Patching rips – Videos demonstrate how to properly clean, glue and install vinyl patches over tears in soft covers.
• Replacing Velcro – They show how to remove worn Velcro strips and glue or sew new industrial Velcro in its place.
• Vinyl welding – Experts use hot air vinyl welders to melt and seal together separated tonneau vinyl seams.
• Plastic welding – Special tools liquefy and fuse cracked plastic strips for seamless, permanent repairs.
• Zipper fixes – Methods for realigning and lubricating seized zippers on covers are explained.
• Hinge repairs – Instructions for tightening and fixing broken hinge hardware that attaches covers.
• Fiberglass patching – Procedures for filling holes and bonding patches to fiberglass hard covers.

YouTube has many DIY tonneau repair videos that are full of useful tips and step-by-step visual guidance. Utilize them to expand your repair knowledge.

When should I just take my tonneau cover to a professional for repair?

While many tonneau cover repairs can be done yourself at home, there are some instances when it’s best to turn the work over to an experienced professional:

• If the internal frame is damaged or severely bent out of shape. Professionals have tools to reform frames.
• If the fabric is torn widely across large sections that are beyond patch repair. A pro can replace full panels of ripped fabric.
• If you need to replace the vinyl edge trim. It requires skilled removal and installation.
• If the plastic or hinges are cracked completely through. Plastic welding provides the strongest, invisible repair.
• If the zipper is totally jammed after all DIY fixes have failed. A pro has tools to realign zipper teeth.
• If you need to re-stretch sagging fabric across the cover. Experts have stretching rigs to tighten and reform loose fabric.
• If you simply don’t have the time or tools for an extensive repair project. Let the experts handle it efficiently.

For major cover damage beyond your repair abilities, turn it over to the professionals for quality work that will restore your tonneau cover to proper working order.

Conclusion

Ripped and warped plastic strips can compromise the function of your tonneau cover. But whether it’s duct tape patches, vinyl welders, silicone glue or oven baking, there are many effective options to repair torn plastic components and get your truck bed cover working properly again.

With a little time and effort, you can likely implement several of these do-it-yourself fixes for your particular plastic strip issues. Or if the damage exceeds your repair skills, seek out a professional tonneau cover repair shop for expert help.

With proper care and maintenance, your tonneau cover can protect your truck bed cargo securely for many more years down the road.