Cowles Products Body

About Cowles Products

Cowles Products has one of the longest pedigrees in American manufacturing. Cowles Products traces its roots to the C. Cowles Company, established in 1838, and today stands as a recognized industry leader in the manufacture of plastic extrusions — specifically the protective and decorative moldings and trim that keep everyday vehicles looking their best. Now operating as a Uni-Grip company, Cowles continues to serve both automotive professionals and dedicated DIYers across the United States and beyond.

The ProtektoTrim Lineup

The brand's flagship line, ProtektoTrim™, is built for the automotive professional and packaged for the serious enthusiast. It spans three proprietary product families: ProtektoTrim for professional-grade applications, Cowles Custom for shorter-length retail packaging suited to the vehicle hobbyist, and Cal-Stripes — a cast vinyl pinstriping tape line that adds a finishing touch to any exterior styling project. Every piece in these lines is proudly manufactured in the USA.

What sets Cowles apart from generic trim suppliers is its consistent attention to material quality. Products feature UV-resistant compounds, carbon fiber and Mylar laminates where appropriate, and premium 3M acrylic foam tape adhesive backing — the kind of backing that holds firm through car washes, road grime, and temperature swings. The result is trim that looks factory-fresh long after installation.

Protect and Personalize Your Vehicle

The Cowles catalog is built around two goals: protection and personalization. Whether you're guarding a new pickup from parking-lot door dings or adding a chrome accent strip to a weekend cruiser, there's a Cowles solution designed for the job. The brand's Body Trim Molding and Side Body Panel Molding lines offer a range of profiles, widths, and finishes — from understated matte black to eye-catching chrome — that fit cars, trucks, SUVs, and even motorhomes.

For targeted protection at the vehicle's most vulnerable contact points, Cowles Door Edge Guards slip over door edges in a classic U-channel design, absorbing the impact of accidental contact before chips and nicks can develop into rust. The brand's Door Trim Molding extends that same protective philosophy across the full door panel, while the broader Trim catalog covers interior gap trim and accent pieces in colors ranging from chrome and carbon fiber style to bold primaries.

DIY-Friendly by Design

One of Cowles Products' most appreciated qualities is how approachable its installation process is. Most pieces require no special tools — just a clean surface, the peel-and-stick 3M backing, and a sharp pair of shears to cut to length. The brand even provides instructional resources to guide first-time installers through the process. For a brand with over 180 years of manufacturing heritage, Cowles has always understood that a great product is only as good as how easily it can be put to use.