The tape actually holds the outer edges of the tail light guards to the truck. I believe they were designed that way so that if a branch got stuck between the tail light and the guard, and you continued forward, rather than have the guard pulled out by the screws, it would pop the tape and open like a book if you will. The bolted brackets on the inner edge would act like a hinge. At that point you would only have to replace those 2 bent brackets and the tape. There would be no damage to your truck from screws being pulled from the sheet metal. I have an 03 that I bought in 03 and the tape is still holding through many washings and rain storms.
|