Toyota/Lexus: What’s That Wavy Silver Tape?

When repairing or replacing some Toyota or Lexus bumpers you may notice tape stripes with wavy silver lines. Do you need to replace this strip and what is its purpose?

The tape with wavy silver lines is aluminum tape. When researching, Toyota/Lexus may refer to this as molding tape No. 1. It is typically mounted on the backside of the front and rear bumpers.

For example, per the 2023 Toyota Crown New Car Features ➤ Vehicle Exterior ➤ Exterior Panels/Trim ➤ Body Structure ➤ Aerodynamics:

"Aluminum tapes (moulding tape No. 1) are provided on the back of the front bumper extension and rear bumper corner extension. The body and air become positively charged when driving, making it easier for the air to separate from the body. Aluminum tape that effectively discharges the electrical charge of the vehicle is optimally positioned because air separation generates turbulence and prevents aerodynamic effects. As a result, nearby air separation is suppressed, ensuring superior operational stability."

Per the 2023 Toyota Crown Repair Manual under Audio/Visual/Telematics ➤ Park assist/Monitor System ➤ Parking Support Brake System ➤ Precaution:

"Adhere to the following precautions for the blind spot monitor sensor to ensure that the system operates normally... Do not install accessories in the blind spot monitor sensors and the rear bumper near the blind spot monitor sensors and apply any sticker (including a transparent one) and aluminum tape."

The aluminum tape which is found on some Toyota and Lexus bumpers should be replaced if removed. The correct part number can also be found in the body repair manual listed as moulding tape No. 1. Always be sure to reference the vehicle-specific repair manual prior to performing any repairs.

For additional Toyota/Lexus information, check out the following pages:
Toyota OEM Information
Lexus OEM Information

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: Toyota/Lexus - UPDATE
Collision Information Website Access: Toyota/Lexus/Scion
Where Do I Find Other Types Of Information In Toyota/Lexus?


Related I-CAR Courses

  • Body Shop Business: EV Intake Process Wednesday, 24 April 2024

    Body Shop Business has released an article highlighting the importance of the electric vehicle (EV) intake process.

  • Repairer Driven News: Matte Clearcoat Challenges Monday, 22 April 2024

    Repairer Driven News (RDN) has released an article highlighting the challenges of matte and semi-gloss clearcoat.

  • I-CAR Just In Time: EV Repair Tips Wednesday, 17 April 2024

    Sometimes seeing is understanding, that’s why I-CAR's technical team created the Just in Time video series to guide you through a variety of collision repair topics from ADAS and EVs to repair tips...

  • I-CAR RTS App Monday, 15 April 2024

    Looking for another tool for your toolbox? An informational guide at your fingertips? Well, the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) app is what you are looking for!

  • Repairer Driven News: ADAS Radar Optimized Paint Color Resources Friday, 12 April 2024

    Changes in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) radar technology are introducing new refinishing considerations. Paint film thickness not only may affect the performance of ADAS radars, color...

  • Back-To-Basics: Window Tab Retractor Thursday, 11 April 2024

    Sometimes going back-to-basics can make the difference between a quality repair and a failed repair. Window regulators have evolved over the years, most now using a clip type retaining method. With...

  • High-Voltage Vehicle Paint Booth Quick Reference Tuesday, 9 April 2024

    When refinishing high-voltage (HV) vehicles, it is important to check for OEM paint booth temperature recommendations so that HV components do not get damaged in the heat.

  • Ford On Target 2024: Volume 1 Friday, 5 April 2024

    Ford has released the first installment of their On Target publication for 2024.

  • 3M Offers SOP And Process Hands-On Training and Skill Development Thursday, 4 April 2024

    The 3M Skills Development Center is a 15,000 sq ft facility where technicians can take a Body Repair Course or Paint Prep and Refinish Course. Both courses are majority hands-on of standard...

  • OEM Linking Pin: Nissan/INFINITI Outer Uniside Sectioning - Cut Line Clarification Wednesday, 3 April 2024

    As part of the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) OEM linking pin activity, we are helping to connect the collision repair industry to the vehicle makers. We‘ve had technical inquiries that...