woodgrain trim curling fix?

[jamsni]

My trim molding around the woodgrain on my tailgate is curling up. It has started at the piece on the right side of the tailgate switch. Is there a way to restick it down, should I pry out one of the woodgrain plugs and put a small screw in it (least desirable option), or just take the whole thing off? Would a heat gun help soften it up to straighten it out to restick? It's in pretty good shape so if I can salvage it I would like to. Just looking for ideas, not looking to de-wood...just yet.

[FSJ Guy]

Underneath that plug SHOULD be a rivet or a screw. Rivets were the OEM factory method of preventing the trim from peeling. The problem, of course, is that it provides a nice starting spot for rust.

There is a metal band in the trim itself. Bending it "back" to straight is going to be very difficult.

[jamsni]

That was what I thought about the plugs, but there isn't anything. It looks like it was just adhesive and it's not sticking anymore. It is hard to straighten, which is why I wondered about heat. If it's got a metal band though heat may not do the trick. Would OEM have screwed in the sides and not the tailgate? I am hesitant to put a screw in since there isn't one already there for the exact reason you said and I don't want to start a bigger problem.

[GWDriver]

Double sided tape............

[FSJ Guy]

I think you'd have to remove it completely and re-apply it. Ask around and see what others have used to remove their trim.

[fulsizjeep]

I have seen a few attempts from members here to keep that trim on once it starts to curl and short of screws large enough to tack it down, it seems futile. Mine is starting to peel up on the corners back by the tail lights. The finish on the woodgrain and trim is corroded anyway. It is probably not long for the world.