Zekzoop Door Sill Protectors Install & Review

[ricelX]

Hey Guys,

I just finished up a quick install and review of the Zekzoop Door Sill Protectors for the 6th Gen 4Runner. @Zekzoop reached out and sent me a set to test, and I wanted to share my honest thoughts after putting them on.

Overall, the style and finish are great, the TPE material feels durable, and they add a nice layer of protection to the entry points.

One thing I did notice is that the fit isn’t perfect in a couple of spots. For example, on the front inner tread they could have extended the piece further back to meet the plastic seam, and on the passenger side there’s a cutout that leaves a little too much exposed. Not dealbreakers, but worth pointing out for anyone considering them.

Here’s the video:


I go over surface prep tips for the 3M tape, show the install process, and share my thoughts after using them.

Product link if you’re interested: https://amzn.to/3Vzwpj5
No exchange of money, but I use use these affiliate links to support the channel.


Yeah, I know… protecting door sills isn’t exactly hardcore off-road stuff, so roast away. Let me get a shopping cart ding first then I'll let her slide.


Curious to hear your thoughts on them.

Sponsored

 

[photojoe]

Great install and review video. Thank you for sharing!

 

[brumey]

Confused. I looked at my door sils and see they have plastic protection. So, this product just goes on top of the existing trim and covers a little more of the vertical side?

So, we are protecting the existing protection strip????

also, looks like a huge gap at each end allowing junk to pass under and ultimately fail the adhesion.

sorry but, I do not see this as a viable product. Also prefer Made In USA.

 

[The_Dark_Knight_Forever]

Confused. I looked at my door sils and see they have plastic protection. So, this product just goes on top of the existing trim and covers a little more of the vertical side?

So, we are protecting the existing protection strip????

You're covering the existing plastic strip however you're also covering the edges of the door sills & more of the exposed paint which is likely to become scratched or chipped at some point. My old 2003 Tundra somehow got paint scratched away on the driver side sill & it bugs the shit out of me every time I open the door but it's too old for me to justify spending money repairing that type of damage.

 

[ricelX]

Yeah, I have a few nicks on the Xterra. Same thing, too old to repair and it started rusting out.

The material is also more of a rubber than a plastic so better prone to scratches or dog nails from my boxer jumping up onto the seat.

 

[Zekzoop]

Thanks for your review! Love the video!
We'll improve our products and offer a better shopping experience!

 

[kekecarioca]

Man... my collection of scratches keeps growing.....that's a nice extra protection, but I guarantee my lovely wife will find a way to scratch around it.

The clear coat on these is softer than butter and Everest shows it all. I keep the 4runner dirty to hide some. I just swiped a soft green weed/bush and it left some good lines...

Waiting for the shopping cart ding in the near future.

 

[Formidable]

Thanks for the review. Ordered the outer protectors.

 

[brumey]

I too ordered and received the protector kit today. I have not installed yet but, I have to say, on first looks, they look good. Not plastic or entirely plastic, they seem to be a more durable material. I hope to install in the next few days. As for durability, only time will tell.

 

[glocke12]

Man... my collection of scratches keeps growing.....that's a nice extra protection, but I guarantee my lovely wife will find a way to scratch around it.

The clear coat on these is softer than butter and Everest shows it all. I keep the 4runner dirty to hide some. I just swiped a soft green weed/bush and it left some good lines...

Waiting for the shopping cart ding in the near future.

It's not just the clear coat thats soft, the metal on these is pretty soft as well. My 5th gen was a tank and after 15 years I think I had one ding in it. My 6th gen had a sizable dent in the FR quarter panel that came from me basically just resting my hand on it while climbing up and down a raised platform to wax the center of the hood. It was bad enough to warrant a body shop repair and insurance claim.

Thankfully I've tempered my driving habits ( pretty much only leave home to go to work ), otherwise my 6th gen would probably be looking pretty beat after a month of owning it.

 

[kekecarioca]

It's not just the clear coat thats soft, the metal on these is pretty soft as well. My 5th gen was a tank and after 15 years I think I had one ding in it. My 6th gen had a sizable dent in the FR quarter panel that came from me basically just resting my hand on it while climbing up and down a raised platform to wax the center of the hood. It was bad enough to warrant a body shop repair and insurance claim.

Thankfully I've tempered my driving habits ( pretty much only leave home to go to work ), otherwise my 6th gen would probably be looking pretty beat after a month of owning it.

Oh dear.! That's bummer. Good it got fixed I hope;
So far no dings, but a handful of rock chips and light scratches... Oh and a windshield chip yesterday to add to the collection...
I'm not careless, and try good to take care in and out of our vehicles, but this one is hard.
The 4R is never been to a carwash machine, just light soapy hand wash on the driveway and I think it needs to stay that way unless I want swirly clearcoat flashing at me.
Oh well it's no flashy sports car after all, and I came with the mindset prepared....(kinda).

 

[brumey]

Fitting fhe door sill protectors today. Probably worth emphasizing that the 8 little packets are a special adehsive primer and not just alcohol wipes. They are required to make the sticky strips actually stick.

I cleaned with alcohol (not beer) and the heated the existing plastic up. Then used tge primer pack. HOWEVER - I question the heating up and when to do it. I fely like the primer evaporated quicker on the hot plastic. Is heating up really needed???

I also question the strips that wrap around covering some of the side sill. Its great its protecting but, this is where the lower door to sill door gasket is. Will it interfere with the seal, it might. I wonder on a wet day if I will see water ingress. Looks like its the back doors for sure and probably the front. Heading back to fit the front. My thought on the seal is the rubber on the door was hitting a straight and smooth strip on the door sill. Not its hitting textured plastic and its raised up, which I think will leave gaps.

would love a comment from original poster in the video.

 

[brumey]

Update # 2
I believe the best method and that tge Chinese to instruction are trying to communicate are:

1) clean all vehicle surfaces that the new panels touch with alcohol.

2) Using a box cutter knife with newer blade, peel off the tape backing, red strips. I found a knife easier unless you have pretty nails

3) Warm the tape on the new panels, just a little, it makes them stickier. Do not warm the existing plastic strips on the door sill.

4) quickly apply the applicator to one panel area on the vehicle and then carefully press in the overlay panels that your warmed up.c Press all around the new panel multiple times.

again, my theory is that warming the sill plastics evaporate the primer impacting the stickiness.

 

[brumey]

CORRECTION, front left upper panel is perfect. Right side needs a smaller notch. They made them symmetrical, wrong.

Sponsored