I have an 05 stab(standardcab) that is a stepside. I hate the outside tie downs around the top outside edge of the bed. They hold water so I am getting permanent water streaks down the side of my truck underneath them. Being there are 3 tiedowns on each side the water lines look bad. Besides, trying to seal the tie downs is there any company that sells a kit to get rid of the tie downs and block it off. A flat piece of metal(stainless) I could screw down in its place. I welcome any thoughts or ideas and apologize if this seems ridiculous to worry about.

 

I feel your pain! I own an 05 STX with stepside and have also noticed the same issue. However, for mine it seems like its always the same hook that tends to be "leaking". I can wash the truck as much as I want and I will always have that "seap line" running from that hook. I would love to see a solution as well!

 

I read somthing about drilling a hole in the bottom of the tie down to drain the water.
Has anyone tried this?

 

No, I have not tried this. Has anyone else?? If anyone has and it works I would do it.

 

I read about notching the bottom of each tie down from one of these posts. Since it bothered me so much, I decided to try it out. I used a Dremel tool to cut a notch on the backside to allow a path for the water to drain. Unfortunately I can't report if it worked or not yet. It's been real dry in the northeast. I haven't had to wash my baby since the modification. It sounds like a great idea though. Hope it works.

 

I had that problem too, now I use an air compressor to blow the excess water out. My truck is black so a streak shows real well. Once I had soap and water in it after I left the car wash, I had white streaks on it, it looked horrible.


Or I use my shopvac on it since I wash the outside and vac the inside at the same time.

 

I posted the fix for this a while back and it works like a charm. Carefully take the hooks off and notch the bottom of the plastic backing plate and reinstall. You can carefully notch it with a rat tail file if you like by holding the plate loosely in a vice. Then simply remount the hook. If you take your time and do each one the same, it looks like the factory did it like they should have to begin with. Now them puppies drain right out and when I rag her, she is done and good to go.

 

Thanks FISOMAN.......this will keep those white water streaks off my black truck. I really do apprecite it!!

 

Thanks I'm going to try notching them.
Just can't stand those water streaks.
XLT

 

Can you show a picture of it?
I may try it though I haven't had the problem in a while, then agin I usually wax mine after a washing or I take off down the road right afterwards so it usually blows itself away or the streaks get waxed off.

 

I am sorry. I don't have the ability to post a photo. It is a pretty straight forward fix, with little opportunity to screw it up, or I wouldn't have been able to figure it out. Just take your time and it will come out perfectly.

 

Thanks FISOMAN. I tried your modification and today was the first time that I washed the truck since I notched the backside of the hooks. Not one streak ran down the body after I first dried the truck. Great suggestion!

I have to replace some of the hooks due to discovering cracks apparently during the assembly at the factory. Once I get the replacement parts, I will take some pictures when I have to redo the fix and post them.

 

You're welcome. I don't know why Henry Ford didn't do that in the first place?