a pick - up truck tailgate protector assembly includes a sheet - like plastic panel having a plurality of corrugations formed integrally therein . a plurality of curved appendages extend from the lower extremity of the panel for resiliently engaging the lower pivoted edge of a vehicular tailgate . the panel includes an upper extremity having an l - shaped bead extending the length thereof . the bead is fixedly captured in an extruded aluminum channel . the channel includes an integral uncinate member for covering the upper swinging edge of the tailgate .