A vinyl truck bed cover is a great way to protect the cargo in your truck from the elements and keep it secure when not in use. But over time, the vinyl may become cracked, faded, and brittle due to exposure to sunlight, heat, and cold temperatures.
If your truck bed cover has seen better days, you may be considering replacing it. Before you do that, however, you can try restoring it yourself for a fraction of the cost of a new one.
Step One: Cleaning – The first step to restoring your vinyl truck bed cover is to clean it thoroughly. Use a soft brush or cloth and mild soap and water to gently scrub away any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the surface of the cover. Once you’ve finished cleaning, rinse off any remaining soap with clean water and allow the cover to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step Two: Repairing – Next, inspect your truck bed cover for any cracks, tears, or other damage. If you find any damage, use an adhesive vinyl repair kit specifically designed for repairing vinyl truck bed covers.
These kits usually come with all of the materials needed to make quick repairs such as glue and patch material. Follow all instructions included in the kit carefully.
Step Three: Conditioning – After making repairs if necessary, condition your truck bed cover with a specially designed vinyl protectant or conditioner. This will help keep your cover looking its best by providing protection against UV rays and helping prevent cracking or fading over time. Apply according to manufacturer’s instructions and let it sit overnight before using your truck again.
Step Four: Maintenance – Finally, be sure to maintain your restored truck bed cover by cleaning it regularly with mild soap and water. Keep an eye out for any further damage that may occur over time so you can address it as soon as possible with additional repairs if necessary.
Conclusion:
Restoring a vinyl truck bed cover is a great way to get more life out of an old one rather than spending money on a new one. Cleaning the surface thoroughly, making repairs if necessary with an adhesive repair kit, conditioning with a specially designed protectant or conditioner and regular maintenance are all key steps in keeping your restored cover looking its best for years to come.
